maybe not concentrate on the war but rather on the result?

When you win, you gain new grounds with resources, so what did I get?
When you loose, lives are lost (not that interesting perhaps), but does that have economic impact, less production, or need to replenish the army?

Perhaps a great warrior died or got wounded?

Winning the battle possibly captures the opponent, or the opponent simply loses the army and escapes. It's used to kill other player's characters.

There is also a battle against border armies and strongholds. These also simply annihilate the defense allowing you to pass through the area or take the stronghold. Note that this is a separate action though. You might simply defeat the castle army and choose *not* to seize it.