As such, Odysseus' journey to Hades highlights the different views of life of those who were subjected to the savagery of war war and those who were not. When talking with various dead people, Odysseus hears many stories of regret, tales of death that can only be understood by someone on the battlefield. Odysseus does not initially wish to speak with his mother, although he eventually remembers: "I remained where I was until my mother / came to drink the black 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 the honor of a distinguished and fighting death is only a cover for the unbearable consequences of