"Beowulf" is an Old English epic poem and one of the most significant and influential works of early English literature. Consisting of over 3,000 lines, it narrates the tale of its hero, Beowulf, and his adventures as he battles the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and later in his life, a dragon. The poem delves into themes of heroism, bravery, the transient nature of life, and the conflict between good and evil. Written by an unknown poet, "Beowulf" dates back to somewhere between the 8th and early 11th century and is preserved in a single manuscript known as the Nowell Codex.