The+subtle+maze+untrod

This metaphor, particularly being so close to the conclusion of the poem has caught my eye every time I read through it. The theme in this poem is definitely religion, with descriptions of unhallowed acts, and the conclusion of the poem being "that war is not of god". Therefore, I thought that this maze probably had religious bearing as well. I think it references perhaps a road to enlightenment, or a path of realization or something like that. It shows how we fight wars to assert our own beliefs, feeling that they alone are correct and sensible. Particularly religious views: countless wars, and current wars have been fought over religious beliefs. However, like the author illustrates, at the end of the day the "subtle maze is untrod". Even after war and fighting, we haven't even gone down the road that leads us to the correct beliefs.

Great observations, Eddie. There was a line in Cold Mountain about God being tired of being asked to take sides in a war. And I agree with the analysis in your last sentence: the subtle maze is untrod -- we have lots of work left to do.