Diamond Cut.

The earth screeched upwards into the sky- broken by the weight of war and fury. The thundering clash of bronze and iron momentarily masking the tortured lament of death and injury. The trees quivered as arrows shot through their leaves culling birds and squirrels – innocent bystanders in a needless thirst for blood.

Above the celestial guardians congregate. They could do no more. The thunder had tried along with the lightning and the rain – shooting shards of electricity and fear into the phalanxes of the men. They would retreat for a time, only to return, re-armed and more determined to bring the blood of darkness upon themselves and all that stood in their path.

The sun had seared into them, causing the forest to alight – but instead of cowering from the heat, they had used the flames to strengthen their weaponry. Spears, red and charged with the sap of dead trees, were thrown in every direction – burning the ravaged earth. Despite what they may have thought, the only martyrs in their cause were the land and the animals they carelessly destroyed. Innocent and devoid of defenses- caught in the arrogance of war. The strength of man once again, not in his own hands but in minds poisoned with hatred and resentment.

They had tried. And they had failed.

�Helios, my dear brother, we cannot let this continue.�

�It is the way of man Selene, what can we do?�

�But we must do something brother- for they will desecrate all that mother has created�

�Alas, they are determined to wreck the darkness of the world upon us all�

“Then. let us show them their own consequence.”

�————————————————————————————–

It is only six years, six years since I have become lucky, lucky to fight in honor and I have done so. Watched brothers literal and figurative fall next to me, unlucky or cursed by the celestials. For those of us who still live are those upon whom the gods smile. Yes, bloodshed is a part of this, but I am warm with blood both my own and my enemies. The sun comes up to heat our backs as we fight. For battle is what I know.

It is what he knows. The man across from me, he even looks like me.

I have been pulled into this violence by family honor and need. I wonder often how the gods feel about the slaughter. I believe they have been clear, throwing down white fire with ear splitting clatter following. The sun is so hot in the day that we must cover ourselves in the mud of the Halys river to prevent our skin from blistering. Fire has come through the sparse trees as it is, though the battle only became more because of it. My blood is hot with fire and war, but it yearns to be cooled. I am not made for this fighting, and I am sure the beings of the sky feel differently.

I am sure the man across from me knows only the same. He even resembles me.

The fire, the fire was sent down by the gods to help us in our quest against our enemies. It burned hot and bright as my blood for a moment and left us with ways to do more damage to our enemies. It must be the celestial way of telling us we are on a righteous path.

It is what he knows. The man across from me, he even looks like me.

Righteous path, those are the thoughts of those who think this war is going to give success to the victor. After so many years can we call anything but a complete end successful? I am tired. I know my brothers in arms are tired. No matter how bloodthirsty I think we all may be just looking for permission to stop. It is odd today, for the sky looks different, and the animals are not acting as they should.

It is odd though, I have fought without stopping for uncountable days for the glory. There is something different today: the sky is changing, the animals are becoming quiet. In the morning before we take to the battlefield we can usually hear the birds. We cannot today.

It is getting dark, maybe we have angered the gods enough that this is the end. Yes, I think I would be okay with that.

But the darkness� maybe I have misread the signs from the celestials. The silence is deafening. We have all dropped our weapons. The sun is being consumed.

I am standing next to a man from the other side. One that looks like some of the battle mad soldiers that either died fast or worked their way through my people with ease. His face is softening though.

I am next to a man from the other side. One that looks haggard and tired. Weak. His pallor only distracts me for a moment as the sun is consumed. A bright light off the side and then darkness.

The field is silent. Our arms are laid down. This is an incontrovertible piece of proof that the gods are unhappy.

I turn to the battle mad man next to me, we look each other in the eyes. It is as if it were night.

I turn to the exhausted man and see him for the first time. It is as if it were night.

Seconds feel like hours and then the light starts coming back, slowly then all at once.

I throw my sword down, we all throw our swords down and walk back to our respective camps. Barely a word is uttered, there will be so many words later, but we are cowed by the celestials.

————————————————————————————-

Scrawler’s note:

Story was inspired by the solar eclipse of Thales. You can read more about it here:

Answer!

1. What is the primary setting of the first part of the narrative?.
2. How do the celestial beings react to the events on Earth?
3. What metaphor is used to describe the impact of the war on nature?
4. How do the warriors use the elements in their battle tactics?
5. What philosophical question does Selene raise about their duty?
6. How does the narrator describe his feelings and experiences of war?
7. What role do the gods play according to the narrator’s beliefs during the battle?
8. How does the appearance of the enemy soldier highlight a theme of the narrative?
9. What changes in nature signal a shift in the narrative towards the end?
10. What ultimate action do the soldiers take, and what prompts this decision?

Match!

Match the words with their correct definitions on the right

Research!

“War and Nature in Literature: Exploring Symbolic and Literal Impacts”

Project Objective:

Investigate how literature depicts the impact of war on nature, using specific narratives that intertwine conflict with environmental and celestial elements. Examine the symbolism of natural and celestial phenomena in conveying the consequences of war.

Research Outline:

1. Introduction to the Theme:
   • Introduce the concept of nature as both a victim and a symbol in wartime literature.
2. Literary Exploration:
   • Identify key literary works that incorporate nature and celestial phenomena as major elements during depictions of war.
   • Analyze how these elements are portrayed and their symbolic significance.
3. Historical Context:
   • Provide context on the periods during which key works were written, exploring how historical events influenced literary portrayals of nature and war.
4. Comparison with Other Literary Themes:
   • Compare the use of nature in wartime literature with its portrayal during peacetime in the same literary periods.
5. Impact and Legacy:
   • Discuss how these literary depictions have influenced modern perspectives on war and environmental conservation.

Expected Outcomes:

• Gain an understanding of the deep interconnections between war, nature, and literature.
• Appreciate the use of nature as a powerful literary device to critique and reflect on the human condition during times of conflict.

Create!

Voices from the Battlefield: A Creative Writing Exercise

Write a short story or a series of poems from the perspective of an element of nature (such as a tree, a bird, or the sun) witnessing a battlefield. Use vivid descriptions and emotions to convey the impact of war on nature.

Discuss!

1. What is the role of art in depicting war?
   • How have artists and writers historically used their works to comment on or protest against war?
2. Can art change public perceptions or attitudes towards war?
   • Discuss examples where art or literature has influenced public opinion or policy regarding war.
3. What ethical responsibilities do artists have when depicting war?
   • Should artists strive for accuracy, or is there room for artistic interpretation?
4. How do artists and writers use nature to communicate deeper messages?
   • Consider how the portrayal of nature can reflect themes of peace, destruction, or rebirth.
5. What impact does the depiction of nature in art and literature have on societal attitudes towards environmental issues?
   • Can literature and art raise awareness or provoke action on environmental challenges?
6. How has the representation of nature changed in art and literature over time?
   • Explore how shifting cultural attitudes towards the environment have influenced artistic depictions of nature.

7. What symbolic meanings do celestial elements often hold in literature and art?
   • Discuss how the sun, moon, and stars are used to symbolize various concepts such as fate, guidance, or the divine.
8. How do celestial themes enhance the emotional or philosophical depth of artistic works?
   • Analyze how the inclusion of celestial imagery can add layers of meaning to a narrative or painting.
9. Can the depiction of celestial phenomena reflect or influence cultural or religious views?
   • Explore instances where celestial depictions in art have played a role in shaping or reflecting cultural beliefs.

10. How do themes of war, nature, and celestial intervention intersect in art and literature?
    • Examine works where these themes are interwoven, discussing the complexities they bring to the narrative or visual impact.
11. What can we learn from historical and contemporary works that explore these themes?
    • Consider what these themes teach us about human nature, societal values, and the universal human experience.
12. How are modern artists and writers addressing these themes in new and innovative ways?
    • Identify contemporary works that explore war, nature, or celestial themes and discuss how they are relevant to today�s world issues.