The translations of the Iliad by Robert Fagles and W. H. D. Rouse each offer unique interpretations of Homer's epic, reflecting the distinct styles and priorities of the translators. Robert Fagles presents the Iliad with a focus on the grandeur and emotional weight of the narrative. His choice of words, such as "Rage—Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles," is aimed at capturing the intensity and tragic depth of the original Greek text. Fagles enriches the text with rich imagery and a heightened sense of drama, as seen in his depiction of Achilles pondering his fate, weighing glory against longevity and reflecting on the universality of death. His translation attempts to preserve the epic's rhythm and poetic complexity, making it resonate with modern readers while remaining faithful to the source material. On the other hand, W. H. D. Rouse adopts a more straightforward, prose-like approach, striving for clarity and accessibility. His opening line, "An angry man—There is my story," underscores his effort to prioritize narrative clarity over poetic formality. Rouse's translation tends to streamline expressions, opting for simplicity, such as in his depiction of Athena's exhortation to Diomedes, where she calls Ares a "mad furious creature, that graven image of wickedness, Mr. Facing-all-ways." Rouse captures the essential actions and themes, often using vernacular language to make the text more approachable for a casual audience. By focusing on clarity and directness, Rouse aims to convey the story's essence without embellishment, allowing readers to engage with the narrative in a more straightforward manner.
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.
An angry man—There is my story: The bitter rancour of Achillês, prince of the house of Peleus, which brought a thousand troubles upon the Achaian host. Many a strong soul it sent down to Hadês, and left the heroes themselves a prey to dogs and carrion birds, while the will of God moved on to fulfilment.
It began first of all with a quarrel between my lord King Agamemnon of Atreus' line and the Prince Achillês.