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Long ago, a giant sea monster known as the Meester Stoor Worm rose out of the sea. It was said that the Stoor Worm’s body stretched halfway around the world. That its one eye was as red as fire. That its breath was poison to all living things.

Every day it moved closer and closer, and closer to Scotland. It takes about 100 years for it to cross.

The king of Scotland asked the sorcerer for help. “You must give your only daughter, Princess Emily, to the Stoor Worm,” said the sorcerer. “Only then will it leave."

The king went pale. Princess Emily was kind, gentle, and loved by everyone. “Is that the only way to save my people?” the king asked.

“It is the only way,” the sorcerer said.

The king knew the sorcerer was serious. But he wasn’t ready to give up yet.

The king sent a message to all of Scotland: The man who can kill the Meester Stoor Worm will get half of the kingdom and Princess Emily as his bride. The king was excited when thirty-six men came forward.

But as soon as they saw the monster, they all ran away. The king was sad.

He knew the princess had to be offered up to the Stoor Worm.

There was great sadness throughout the land.

On the day before the princess would be offered to the monster, a farm boy went to the seashore. His name was Hero.

All his life Hero wanted to be a great hero. His parents named him hero because they knew he would be a hero some day

He was determined to defeat the Stoor Worm and save Princess Emily

Hero borrowed a small boat. He loaded a bucket of burning coals into it and rowed toward the Stoor Worm. He was brave to do such a thing.

At dawn, the monster awoke. It slowly opened its giant jaws in a yawn. A great flood of water rushed into its open mouth.

The boat and Hero were swept in. Hero was carried down the Stoor Worm’s throat. He screamed.

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