Caroline Alexander's translation of the *Iliad* is characterized by a precise and faithful adherence to the original text's tone and rhythm. Her version aims to capture not just the story, but the essence and grandeur of Homeric poetry while remaining accessible to contemporary readers. In her rendition of the opening lines in Book 1, Alexander creates a dramatic and foreboding introduction with phrases like "wrath ... that inflicted woes without number upon the Achaeans," emphasizing the dire consequences of Achilles' anger. Her translation of Athena's encouragement to Diomedes in Book 5 maintains a formal and elevated style, using terms such as "single-hoofed horses" and "furious Ares," which resonate with the ancient epic's grandeur. Additionally, Alexander's poetic interpretation of human frailty and the cyclical nature of life in Book 6 with "As a generation of leaves, so is the generation of men" draws on vivid imagery to mirror the original Greek's profound themes. In contrast, Herbert Jordan's translation offers a more straightforward and direct approach, making Homer’s epic more accessible while preserving its noble traits. Jordan's translation of the opening passage of Book 1 mirrors a similar but slightly more conversational tone with lines like "Achilles' anger, ruinous, that caused the Greeks untold ordeals," favoring clarity and simplicity. Athena’s speech to Diomedes in Book 5 is presented with less formality, using phrases like "Strike without scruple or respect for him," which makes the dialogue feel immediate and clear. The analogy of human generations in Book 6 is succinct in Jordan’s version, described as "Clans of men are like foliage on trees," focusing on an economy of words while conveying the core idea effectively. Both translators offer valuable interpretations, each bringing their unique style to immortalize the weighty themes and heroic tales of the Iliad.
Wrath—sing, goddess, of the ruinous wrath of Peleus' son Achilles,
that inflicted woes without number upon the Achaeans,
hurled forth to Hades many strong souls of warriors
and rendered their bodies prey for the dogs,
for all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished;
sing from when they two first stood in conflict—
Atreus' son, lord of men, and godlike Achilles.
Sing, goddess, of Peleus' son Achilles' anger,
ruinous, that caused the Greeks untold ordeals,
consigned to Hades countless valiant souls,
heroes, and left their bodies prey for dogs
or feast for vultures. Zeus's will was done
from when those two first quarreled and split apart,
the king, Agamemnon, and matchless Achilles.