The translations of the Iliad by Robert Fitzgerald and Peter Green highlight different stylistic approaches to the epic's themes and characters. Both translations start with the iconic call to sing of Achilles' wrath, but the tone and word choice distinguish each version. Fitzgerald's translation uses the phrase "Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous," which captures the destructive consequences of Achilles' rage succinctly, whereas Green opts for "calamitous wrath," emphasizing the immediate devastation. Fitzgerald often presents a more traditional and formal style, as seen in "Ares or from any other god," which contrasts with Green's somewhat more conversational and direct "nor any one of the other immortals," highlighting his more contemporary language approach. In both translations, vital moments such as the reflection on humanity in Book 6 and Achilles' choice between glory and longevity in Book 9 retain their thematic resonance while differing in phrasing. Fitzgerald's depiction of the generational cycle of humans likens it poetically to leaves, "old leaves, cast on the ground by wind," invoking a more metaphorical image compared to Green's "some leaves the wind scatters earthwards." Regarding Achilles' decision, Fitzgerald states "I lose all hope of home but gain unfading glory," portraying a sense of sacrifice, whereas Green's "I'll lose my homecoming, but gain imperishable renown" conveys the same idea with a slightly different nuance. Each translator brings unique insights into Homer's text, allowing modern readers to experience the epic in varied ways through their distinctive linguistic and stylistic choices.
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.
Wrath, goddess, sing of Achilles Pēleus's son's
calamitous wrath, which hit the Achaians with countless ills—
many the valiant souls it saw off down to Hādēs,
souls of heroes, their selves1 left as carrion for dogs
and all birds of prey, and the plan of Zeus was fulfilled
from the first moment those two men parted in fury,
Atreus's son, king of men, and the godlike Achilles.