Samuel Butler and Anthony Verity offer distinct translations of Homer's Iliad, each capturing the essence of the epic in unique ways. Butler's translation tends towards a more straightforward and sometimes prosaic narrative style. For instance, in Book 1, Butler opens with "Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus," setting a direct tone that encapsulates the forthcoming conflict. This approach extends to dialogues, such as when Athena advises Diomedes in Book 5 to "drive straight at Ares, and smite him in close combat." Butler's language often emphasizes clarity and immediacy, making the epic's themes accessible to the general reader. Verity, on the other hand, embraces a more rhythmic and structured prose, which hews closer to the poetic nature of the original Greek text. In his translation, Book 1 begins with "SING, goddess, the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son," using line breaks to create a lyrical flow. This style is evident in his rendering of Achilles' contemplation of his fate in Book 9: "if I remain here and fight... my fame will never die." Verity's translation highlights the cadence of phrases, providing a more immersive experience reflective of the oral tradition. His descriptive choices, like referring to Athena as "grey-eyed" and emphasizing the cyclical nature of life with "As is the family of leaves," capture the poetic imagery inherent in Homeric epics. Both translators thus offer valuable perspectives: Butler with directness and accessibility, and Verity with a nod to the poetic origins of the Iliad.
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.
SING, goddess, the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son,
the accursed anger which brought the Achaeans countless
agonies and hurled many mighty shades of heroes into Hades,
causing them to become the prey of dogs and
all kinds of birds; and the plan of Zeus was fulfilled.
Sing from the time the two men were first divided in strife—
Atreus' son, lord of men, and glorious Achilles.