Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton is a historical adventure novel set in 922 AD. It follows Ahmad ibn Fadlan, an Arab diplomat who travels north and joins a group of Vikings led by Buliwyf. He becomes the “thirteenth warrior” in their mission to fight a mysterious enemy called the Wendol, who attack human settlements from the mountains. As the journey continues, Ibn Fadlan adapts to Viking culture and takes part in their final battle against these creatures. The novel is a reinterpretation of the Beowulf legend presented as a historical account.