Peter Green and Rodney Merrill offer distinct translations of Homer's Iliad, each with its nuances and style. Peter Green's translation aims for a balance between literalism and readability, making the text accessible while maintaining its epic gravitas. He captures the intensity of the original with phrases like "Wrath, goddess, sing of Achilles Pēleus's son's calamitous wrath," emphasizing the destructive nature of Achilles' anger. This approach is seen throughout Green's work where he keenly focuses on the thematic essence, such as in Book 6’s analogy of leaves and humanity, where he reflects on the ephemerality of life with: "As the generation of leaves, so is that of mankind." Green's language is direct and impactful, reflecting a deep respect for the original's potency while seeking to convey it in a way that resonates with modern readers. Conversely, Rodney Merrill's translation underscores the rhythmic nature of Homeric verse, often leaning towards a more lyrical and poetic rendition. Merrill maintains the musicality of the original Greek with lines like "Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus," capturing the song-like quality inherent in the epic tradition. His version also brings out the formal structure of the original language as seen in Book 5, where Athena’s encouragement to Diomedes is both supportive and authoritative: "Tydeus' son Diomédes, in whom my heart is delighted." Merrill tends to emphasize the continuity and flow of the verses, supporting a reading experience that feels both immersive and authentically Homeric in its cadence. Overall, both translators provide valuable contributions to understanding the Iliad, offering readers varied experiences of this ancient text's timeless themes.
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.
Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus,
ruinous rage which brought the Achaians uncounted afflictions;
many the powerful souls it sent to the dwelling of Hades,
those of the heroes, and spoil for the dogs it made of their bodies,
plunder for all of the birds, and the purpose of Zeus was accomplished—
sing from the time when first stood hostile, starting the conflict,
Atreus' scion, the lord of the people, and noble Achilles.