The translations of the Iliad by Robert Fagles and Caroline Alexander showcase both their unique approaches to the epic's language and the subtleties of its narrative. Fagles’s translation begins with “Rage—Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles,” capturing a forceful and immediate tone, emphasizing the destructive anger of Achilles. On the other hand, Alexander opens with “Wrath—sing, goddess, of the ruinous wrath of Peleus' son Achilles,” providing a nuanced interpretation with the use of "ruinous," highlighting the destructive consequences of Achilles' anger. Both translations emphasize the devastating impact on the Achaeans and align with the overarching will of Zeus, yet the choice of words shapes different tonal impressions for the reader. Similarly, in their depiction of Diomedes being encouraged by Athena, Fagles uses vivid imagery and dynamic language with phrases like "eyes blazing" and "lash your racing horses," creating a sense of intensity and immediacy. Alexander, while maintaining the dramatic element, opts for a slightly more formal style, preserving the weight of Athena's divine authority and the seriousness of war. Both translators effectively communicate the themes of mortal fate and the inevitability of death, as seen in their similar but distinct portrayals of passages about mortality and glory. Fagles’s translation tends to highlight emotional resonance and fluidity, while Alexander remains close to the original syntax and registers a degree of solemnity, providing readers with richly varied interpretations of this timeless epic.
Rage—Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles,
murderous, doomed, that cost the Achaeans countless losses,
hurling down to the House of Death so many sturdy souls,
great fighters' souls, but made their bodies carrion,
feasts for the dogs and birds,
and the will of Zeus was moving toward its end.
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.