The translations of the Iliad by Robert Fitzgerald and Herbert Jordan both bring unique perspectives to Homer’s epic, offering readers distinct experiences of the same classic text. Fitzgerald’s translation is noted for its poetic and rhythmic quality, capturing the grandeur and gravity of the original work. For instance, in the opening lines, Fitzgerald uses phrases like "Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous," which highlight the epic’s tragic themes. His use of language is often vivid and intense, as demonstrated when Athena encourages Diomedes in Book 5 with lines like "by nature evil, two-faced everywhere," which emphasize the deceit and chaos of the gods' involvement in human affairs. Overall, Fitzgerald’s translation aims to reflect the epic’s original tone and narrative style, providing readers with a dramatic and immersive experience. Herbert Jordan’s translation, on the other hand, is known for its clarity and accessibility, making the ancient text more approachable for modern readers. In the introductory lines, Jordan opts for a more straightforward approach with phrases like "Sing, goddess, of Peleus' son Achilles' anger," presenting a more direct narrative structure. In Book 6, his translation of the passage comparing generations of men to leaves focuses on the cyclical nature of life, using simple and clear language: "Clans of men are like foliage on trees." Jordan’s work often emphasizes clarity and readability, aiming to make the text understandable without sacrificing the epic’s poetic nature. While both translations strive to remain true to the Iliad’s essence, Fitzgerald’s style leans towards the poetic and dramatic, whereas Jordan’s is characterized by a straightforward and accessible rendition.
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.
Sing, goddess, of Peleus' son Achilles' anger,
ruinous, that caused the Greeks untold ordeals,
consigned to Hades countless valiant souls,
heroes, and left their bodies prey for dogs
or feast for vultures. Zeus's will was done
from when those two first quarreled and split apart,
the king, Agamemnon, and matchless Achilles.