Seamus Heaney was an acclaimed Irish poet, playwright, and translator, widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. Born in Northern Ireland in 1939, Heaney's work often explored themes of rural life, identity, history, and conflict, rooted deeply in the Irish landscape and experience. His rich, lyrical language and profound insight earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995. Heaney's most famous works include Death of a Naturalist, North, and his celebrated translation of Beowulf. He passed away in 2013, leaving behind a powerful literary legacy.