Bear's Son Tale
Bear's Son Tales are a group of tales found from Europe, Asia and North America, with over 200 known versions.[1] Similar characteristics include a monster to be defeated by a hero who is descended from a bear, or has attributes of a bear, usually after others fail in the attempt. In some stories the monster defeats the hero instead.
Frequently appearing characteristics include the hero pursuing the monster into an underground cavern, a captive maiden, treason by a close friend or ally of the hero, and magical weapons or talismans. Friedrich Panzer is the one who labeled stories with these elements with the name, "Bear's Son Tales."[citation needed]
The best known of these tales is Beowulf.[2] Others are the story of Bödvar Bjarki in material about Hrólf Kraki and an incident in the Grettis saga.
