Beowulf is an Old English EPIC poem written in the 8th century. It is one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature and is often considered to be the oldest surviving EPIC poem in the English language. The story follows the hero Beowulf as he battles monsters such as Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. The poem also features other characters such as King Hrothgar, Queen Wealhtheow, and Wiglaf. The poem is composed of several SAGAS, which are stories that tell of heroic deeds, and is classified as an EPIC, or a long narrative poem. It also contains elements of an epos, which is a type of poem that focuses on the deeds of a hero. The poem includes references to MEAD, an alcoholic beverage made from honey, and mentions CAIN, the first murderer in the Bible. Beowulf is ultimately a story of a brave warrior who slays monsters and saves his people.