Bernard the Brave

"Sweat dripped from his brow, like pus from an open sore. He pressed his axe to his temple, closed his eyes and whispered a short prayer to Ozsensza. The battlefield before him, an ocean of bodies, stained with blood the deep rich red colour of wine. Across the channel, Muddock the Ork King sat atop his Warg. The two warriors eyes locked across the battlefield. Bernard rose to his feet, pulling his axes out of the ground made haste, into the red river. He cried out into the night.
"Muddock, your head shall be mounted o'er mine hearth this night."

Bernard and the Big Red River Carhart Connicken

History Bernard The Brave is a fictional children's character first appearing in "Wondrous Tomes" No. 62 in 1298V. The character has remained in publication for over two centuries and starred in a number of publications, including Tales of Bernard the Brave, Bernard the barbarian and Brave Tales: The Bernard Chronicles. The stories are popular among children ages 4-14 but also have a strong adult following.
The character was originally created by Author and Artist Carhart Connicken in 1298V.
Controversy The character is loosely based on Brynjall the Bold, a Skaldii Barbarian nomad who garnered fame (or infamy depending on the region) for his triumphs and victories.
A monster hunter by trade, it is believed that by the time of his death, Brynjall had seen every corner of Skald twice over; had bedded a maiden in every city, village or lonely farmhouse, and even broken bread (or wind depending on the telling of the tale) in the presence of royalty.
Brynjall's antics and adventures were originally documented by Sakregg Skarsgard, a bard who himself gained notoriety off the back of Brynjall's name. It is believed by some that these songs were plagiarised or adapted by Connicken, and the hero's name changed to appeal to overseas audiences.

"There has been some controversy regarding the similarities between Bernard and Brynjall, and some schollars believe Connicken's stories to be simple plagiarism, while others view it as the seminal fantasy works, from which all others were able to blossom.

Regardless of the truth, it is undeniable the impact which Bernard the Brave, and the subsequent centuries of stories, have had upon the world of literary fiction.

Despite any controversies though, the centuries of development and continuation of story by newer writers, have only served to bolster the long interwoven history of the myth and the legend. In fact, one such story: 'Bernard Vs. The Multiverse' (geon Geoffs 1345) sees Bernard and his real world inspiration crossing paths when the former is hurled through a portal created by long term series villain Visigon the Cruel.

It seems that time, and an ever growing fandom, has only allowed for a meshing of the two beings into one character more heroic than either may have been alone. And that, can only be to the benefit of everyone, new fans, and old."

Local Legend - Urban Myth: A History of Bernard the Brave

Skadi Volskogg

Regardless of any controversies, Brynjall himself has a monument to his achievements; a bronze likeness of the barbarian mounting the Medusa in the town of Oppenheimell (open-heemill) which has stood for over 150 years.
Every year the town holds a festival to honor the hero, where those believing themselves to be of similar ilk, seek to prove themselves.
The festival has more recently become a celebration of other folktale and fictional heroes, with similar festivals or gatherings being held throughout much of the more Northern world.