Peter Green and W. H. D. Rouse offer two distinctive translations of Homer's Iliad, each bringing their unique perspective to the ancient text. Green's translation often utilizes more formal, elaborate language, as seen in passages like the opening lines of Book 1. He describes Achilles' wrath as "calamitous," and the ensuing plight as "countless ills" to the Achaians, emphasizing the direct consequences of divine will. Similarly, in Book 5, Athena’s encouragement to Diomedes is expressed with vivid and dynamic language, portraying Ares as a "raving madman" and a "two-faced liar," highlighting the conflicts and character nuances with intensity. This approach captures the epic's drama with a certain gravity and complexity that asks readers to engage deeply with the text. In contrast, Rouse's translation adopts a simpler, more conversational style that aims to make the epic more accessible to modern audiences. He introduces the Iliad with a straightforward declaration: "An angry man—There is my story," immediately grounding the reader in the central theme of conflict. His translation tends to simplify descriptions; for instance, Athena calls Ares "Mr. Facing-all-ways," giving a clearer but less elaborate picture of the god's duplicity. Furthermore, Rouse renders the imagery of leaves in Book 6 with a rhythmic, almost cyclical simplicity: "Leaves fall when the breezes blow, in the springtime others grow," reflecting the transient nature of human life with a natural ease. These choices reflect Rouse's intent to provide readers with an engaging and relatable version of the classic, emphasizing clarity and storytelling over linguistic grandeur.
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.
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.