George Chapman and Robert Graves offer two distinct translations of Homer's Iliad, each reflecting the translators' styles and interpretations of the epic. Chapman’s rendition, from the 17th century, often uses archaic language and an elevated, poetic style, as seen in the opening lines where he invokes the "baneful wrath" of Achilles. His choice to describe Jove’s (Zeus’s) will as imposing "infinite sorrows" on the Greeks reveals a more classical and grandiose approach. Chapman characterizes the gods and heroes with a weighty grandeur, best exemplified in his portrayal of death scattering men "on earth" and the explorers of glory or long life, expressed in a reflective, almost philosophical tone. Robert Graves, in contrast, delivers a more straightforward and modern translation, evident in his invocation to the "Mountain Goddess" to sing of "that anger" which stirred Achilles. Graves employs a concise and clearer syntax, making the text more accessible to contemporary readers. His translation of Athena encouraging Diomedes, for instance, uses direct and familiar language, depicting her as supportive and urging action against the "mad, raving fellow" Ares. Similarly, his depiction of the inevitability of death, comparing it to the life cycle of leaves, is straightforward and resonant. Graves's translation maintains the epic's power while using a simpler, more narrative style that effectively conveys the story's dramatic elements.
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.
Sing, Mountain Goddess, sing through me
That anger which most ruinously
Inflamed Achilles, Peleus' son,
And which, before the tale was done,
Had glutted Hell with champions—bold,
Stern spirits by the thousandfold;
Ravens and dogs their corpses ate
For thus did Zeus, who watched their fate,
See his resolve, first taken when
Proud Agamemnon, King of men,
An insult on Achilles cast,
Achieve accomplishment at last.