Robert Fitzgerald and W. H. D. Rouse offer distinct approaches to translating Homer's Iliad, each bringing unique qualities to the epic. Fitzgerald's translation is known for its poetic elegance and attention to the epic's original rhythm and grandeur. His version tends to use more elevated language, as seen in his choice of words like "Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous" and "young leaves the greening forest bears." Fitzgerald presents a heightened sense of drama and maintains the epic tone throughout, as with Athena's strategic encouragement to Diomedes, which is delivered in a formal and intense manner. Similarly, Fitzgerald's portrayal of glory and fate captures the somber weight of choice with lines like "if I sail back to my own land my glory fails—but a long life lies ahead of me." In contrast, W. H. D. Rouse emphasizes accessibility and straightforward storytelling. His translation leans towards a more direct and conversational style, evident in phrases like "An angry man—There is my story" and "Mr. Facing-all-ways" to describe Ares. Rouse focuses on clarity, ensuring that the narrative's events and character motivations are easily understood by modern readers. This clarity is seen in his simple yet effective depiction of the cyclical nature of human generations with "as they go and come agen so upon the earth do men." By reducing the poetic embellishments, Rouse's translation provides a more immediate connection to the story's characters and timeless themes, such as the inevitability of fate and choices regarding honor and longevity.
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.
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.