Homer's Odyssey is an epic about a man's return home after fighting in war. The protagonist of the epic is Odysseus, but interactions and stories of his fellow veterans abound. The story of Agamemnon's death upon returning home is told and referenced numerous times and serves as a warning to Odysseus of the dangers that may exist for him in Ithaca. The ghost of Agamemnon is encountered by Odysseus in the land of the dead and is very different from the friend he knew and fought with in Troy. Despite his high position in life and exploits in war, Agamemnon demonstrates the suffering of the returning veteran. Agamemnon survived the ten-year Trojan War, although other great warriors such as Achilleus fell. Tales of the war are widespread and it is described by both veterans and non-participants in glorified terms. Agamemnon is often chosen for his leadership and achievements. Demodocus sings of the “famous deeds/ of the men in that deed” and “that lord of men, Agamemnon” as he performs for Odysseus on Alcinous. (VIII, 73-74, 77). Agamemnon stands out as one of the "bronze-armored leaders of the Achaeans" who fought at Troy and is recognized as one of the main heroes of the war (IV,496). Like other war heroes, Agamemnon is a powerful king. He managed to recruit men to follow him to Troy. He is indicated with the epithet “shepherd of peoples” (III, 156). In the underworld, Achilleus tells Agamemnon, son of Atreus, we thought that throughout your days you had been favored more than all the other heroes by Zeus who delights in thunder, because you were lord of numerous and strong peoples, in the land of the Trojans , where we Achaeans suffered hardship. (XXIV, 24-27)Achilleus recognizes Agamemnon in this c...... middle of paper ......his interactions with his wife are full of tension and he is saddened when he reflects on the men lost during the war and the death of his brother. The Odyssey's Trojan War veterans managed to defeat their enemies on the battlefield. The end of the fight did not mean liberation from the burdens for them. War is cruel, but in it these men see a glory that they cannot find outside. Achilles' death in war is treated with ceremony and respect. Agamemnon, who survived that same war, dies a pitiful death and Clytaemestra “was so hard that his hands would not close his eyes and mouth although [he] was going to Hades” (XI, 425-426). Dying at home meant being denied even simple acts of dignity. Reflecting on Hades, Agamemnon characterizes the veteran's struggles when he asks, "What pleasure did I have when I finished the fight?" (XXIV, 95).