Odyssey: The Endless Journey of War Aftermath

David Kiley

Mr. Beyreis

English 9

November 30, 2017

The Endless Journey

Imagine returning home from both a mentally and physically demanding battle, only to realize the most challenging task yet is to face the task of fitting in with the ordinary. A soldier can never truly return home to join a society. One can return from battle in their physical state, though both their mentality and perspective of the world cannot be restored to what once was. The scars and numerous hardships associated with war change a person beyond their appearing attributes, profoundly affecting the mind and soul; a previous life is never the same when an individual returns as a drastically different character. Within The Odyssey, written by Homer and translated by Stanley Lombardo, the effects of conflict demonstrate how an individual can be greatly distanced from their once familiar society. Illustrated by Odysseus and his encounters home from war, one cannot be found when lost in the psyche and spirit, the world cannot be perceived in the same sanguine demeanor when used as a foundation

As such, Odysseus’ journey to Hades sheds light upon the differing views of life from those who were subjected to the savagery of war and those not. When speaking with a variety of deceased individuals, Odysseus is told numerous stories of regret, accounts of death which could only be understood by one on the battlefield. Odysseus does not initially wish to speak with his mother, though he eventually recalls, “I stayed where I was until my mother / came up and drank the dark blood” (11.150-151). The interpreted symbolism behind this act is almost paradoxical, while representing the underlying theme of a different perception of mortality. Perhaps honor in a distinguished, fighting death is merely a cover for the unbearable consequences of