Robert Fagles and Robert Fitzgerald, both renowned translators of the Iliad, offer distinct interpretations of Homer's epic, each capturing the essence of the original text while emphasizing different nuances. Fagles' translation is noted for its vigorous and dynamic prose, which vividly conveys the emotional intensity of the story. For instance, in the opening of Book 1, Fagles phrases it as "Rage—Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles, murderous, doomed," emphasizing the destructive and furious nature of Achilles' anger. This choice of words creates an immediate sense of urgency and foreboding. In contrast, Fitzgerald's version begins with "Anger be now your song, immortal one, Akhilleus' anger," offering a slightly more restrained entry into the narrative that still acknowledges the ruinous impact of Achilles' wrath. This subtle difference exemplifies their varied approaches, with Fagles often opting for more emphatic language that underscores the dramatic elements of the epic. Both translators bring their styles to bear on key moments throughout the Iliad. In Book 5, during Athena's encouragement to Diomedes, Fagles describes Athena's words as a fiery exhortation to battle, heavily emphasizing the betrayal and duplicity of Ares: "just look at the manic, born for disaster, double-dealing, lying two-face god." Meanwhile, Fitzgerald also conveys this imperative but uses language that feels slightly more formal and classical: "defer no longer to this maniacal god by nature evil, two-faced everywhere." Another notable comparison is in Book 6’s reflection on human life, where Fagles writes "Like the generations of leaves, the lives of mortal men," and Fitzgerald translates to "Very like leaves upon this earth are the generations of men," both stirring but offering distinct cadences and rhythms. These examples highlight how each translator handles thematic elements of fate, glory, and mortality, with Fagles leaning towards a robust, evocative tone and Fitzgerald maintaining a more measured, lyrical form. Each translation invites readers to experience the timeless tale through unique lenses, showcasing the adaptability and timelessness of the Iliad.
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.
Anger be now your song, immortal one,
Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous,
that caused the Akhaians loss on bitter loss
and crowded brave souls into the undergloom,
leaving so many dead men—carrion
for dogs and birds; and the will of Zeus was done.