Samuel Butler's and George Chapman's translations of Homer's *Iliad* each present the epic in distinct styles and tones. Butler's translation is direct, simple, and aims for clarity above all, making it accessible to a modern audience. For example, in Book 1, Butler's translation focuses on the implications of Achilles' anger, stating, "Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans." This directness continues in passages like Athena encouraging Diomedes, where Athena straightforwardly assures, "fear neither Ares nor any other of the immortals, for I will befriend you." Similarly, Butler's version uses clear language to express Achilles' choice between glory or a long life: "If I stay here and fight, I shall not return alive but my name will live forever." In contrast, George Chapman's translation employs a more elaborate and poetic style reminiscent of Elizabethan English, which can provide a more dramatic and lyrical reading experience. His version of the opening line in Book 1, "Achilles' baneful wrath resound, O Goddess," highlights the wrath with a poetic flair. Chapman's Athena is more elaborate and philosophical in her encouragement of Diomedes, saying, "Resolve then; firmly trust My aid of thee against his worst." This ornate language is also evident in his rendition of Achilles' internal conflict: "If my return obtain success, much of my fame decays." Chapman's use of poetic density and archaic language creates a distinct atmosphere that captures the grandeur of the epic tradition.
Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades, and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures, for so were the counsels of Jove fulfilled from the day on which the son of Atreus, king of men, and great Achilles, first fell out with one another.
Achilles' baneful wrath resound, O Goddess, that impos'd
Infinite sorrows on the Greeks, and many brave souls loos'd
From breasts heroic; sent them far to that invisible cave
That no light comforts; and their limbs to dogs and vultures gave:
To all which Jove's will gave effect; from whom first strife begun
Betwixt Atrides, king of men, and Thetis' godlike son.