The story of Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel, is a long narrative poem telling of a great hero's deeds or epic. Beowulf is a great hero to people all over, and he hears the word of a demon named Grendel that is terrorizing his companions, the Danes. Immediately Beowulf rounds up 14 of his men and they voyage to assist his fellows. Beowulf relieves them of the beasts that have killed so many of their people. Another notable hero is General William Sherman who fought for the Union forces in the American civil war. Sherman is most famous for his Atlanta Campaign where he traveled from Atlanta to Savannah burning everything in sight. Beowulf and General Sherman are great hero's that share similarities and differences. Most of their traits were similar including bravery, loyalty, and strength but, their heritage and background differ greatly.
             Beowulf and Sherman have a powerful influence on many people. Both heroes have a strong sense of bravery. When Beowulf hears tales of the destruction wrought by Grendel, he decides to travel to the land of the Danes and help Hrothgar defeat the demon. He voyages across the sea with fourteen of his bravest warriors until he reaches the kingdom. According to the epic, Beowulf "heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, so Beowulf shoes the mightiest men he could find." Beowulf's bravery is exploited here. This action shows how he is quick on his feet and brave to go help out a friend.
             Another example is when Beowulf is waiting for the beast to come. He lays aside his weapons and removes his armor, restating his intention to fight Grendel unarmed. His men lie in fear of if they will make it through the night while Beowulf says "Grendal in no braver, no stronger than I am! I will meet him with my hands empty. Beowulf's followers have fear but they all have a hidden trust in him. General Sherman's bravery is express in a similar way. Sherman worked a...