The ancient Greeks had several gods that they worshipped and prayed to. Each one, for a different reason. Warriors would sit for hours prior to long battles in temples and pray. Pray for their safety, pray for good fortune, and pray for a favorable outcome.

Both Ares and Athena were closely related to war. Ares was known for his thirst for battle. Athena, on the other hand, reverted to war only for the purposes of justice, and she preferred peaceful settlements when possible. 

The god of war, Ares; not only was he the god of war, he was the god of violence and vengeance. He wanted all warriors hands to be stained with blood. War, violence and bloodshed. The holy trinity of heroes.

His half sister, Athena, was not only the goddess of war, but of wisdom. She did not believe in violence, bloodshed or warfare, but in the causes for which wars were fought. She wanted peace and intelligence to coat the warriors hands, not blood.

Each one was worshipped for different reasons by the warriors. One to keep them safe, another to ensure they were victorious.

Those warriors, who would leave their homes and loved ones behind for months, sometimes years, to fight wars.

Oftentimes, when they came home, they were no longer the same men who left; rather they were hard, scarred, they smelt of dirt, blood and charred flesh.

But their wives, welcomed them with open arms and full hearts. just grateful they came back home.

Just because someone travels far and wide, faces demons, gladiators and death, dealing in blood over and over again, does not mean they are not still humans; with beating hearts and passionate souls.

They fought for their country, their families, their gods and their kings. And upon each return, they were given a heroes welcome.

So go ahead, do what you must; whether it is march off to a far away land to fight gladiators, or just take a midnight walk around the grounds; either way I’ll still be here waiting, to welcome you back home.