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.