Bear's Son Tales

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Bear's Son Tales are a group of tales found from Europe and North America. 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. Identified by the name "Bear's Son Tales" by Friedrich Panzer.

The best known of these tales is Beowulf. Others are the story of Bödvar Bjarki in material about Hrólf Kraki and an incident in the Grettissaga. The "original" Bear's Son Tale seems to have been the Three Stolen Princesses.

There is considerable debate about what this term actually means.