Robert Fagles and Ian Johnston, two respected translators of Homer's *Iliad*, offer distinct approaches to this ancient epic, each capturing the nuances of the original text in their unique styles. Fagles' translation tends to emphasize a more poetic and rhythmic flow, evident in his choice of words and structure, as seen in his invocation of the rage of Achilles in Book 1: "Rage—Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles." He uses evocative language to convey the intensity and drama of the narrative. This style aligns with Fagles' reputation for bringing a musical and performative quality to the text, aiming to engage the reader with the grandeur and tragedy of the story. His translation captures the epic's sweeping emotions, as demonstrated in his vivid imagery of leaves in Book 6: "Like the generations of leaves, the lives of mortal men." Ian Johnston, on the other hand, offers a translation that is more straightforward and accessible while still maintaining the epic's core elements. His introduction to Achilles' anger in Book 1 is direct: "Sing, Goddess, sing the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus—", focusing on clarity and simplicity. Johnston's translation often strives for precision and ease of understanding, making the epic approachable for modern readers. His depiction of the theme of mortality in Book 6 is concise, using the metaphor of leaves with a clear seasonal imagery: "Generations of men are like the leaves." Both translators succeed in bringing the *Iliad* to life, with Fagles providing a more lyrical experience and Johnston offering a lucid portrayal. These differences highlight how each translation can provide unique insights into the epic's timeless themes, allowing readers to experience the cultural and emotional depth of the *Iliad* in varied ways.
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.
Sing, Goddess, sing the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus—
that murderous anger which condemned Achaeans
to countless agonies and threw many warrior souls
deep into Hades, leaving their dead bodies
carrion food for dogs and birds—
all in fulfilment of the will of Zeus.