Final answer:
A scop is a poet or bard who recited epic poetry in Old English society. They preserved and shared the history and culture of the society through their oral storytelling.
Step-by-step explanation:
A scop is a poet or bard who recited epic poetry in Old English society. They were important because they preserved and shared the history and culture of the society through their oral storytelling. Scops played a vital role in passing down heroic tales that celebrated warriors and their bravery, such as Beowulf. They were the custodians of oral tradition, transmitting knowledge, entertainment, and moral values to the people.