Ian Johnston and Rodney Merrill offer two distinct translations of Homer's Iliad, each capturing the epic's essence while showcasing different stylistic approaches. Johnston's translation employs a straightforward, contemporary prose that aims to make the text accessible to modern readers. This can be seen in his opening lines: "Sing, Goddess, sing the rage of Achilles," where he emphasizes clarity and directness. Johnston's treatment of the material balances the heroic and human elements, as seen in Diomedes' encouragement from Athena, where he describes Ares as a "madman, born evil," maintaining a narrative tone that is both engaging and understandable. On the other hand, Rodney Merrill's translation preserves a more formal and traditional structure, often retaining the complexity and rhythm found in the original Greek epic. His opening line, "Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus," provides a glimpse into a translation that respects the cadence and intricate vocabulary of the source material. Merrill's rendering of Athena's encouragement to Diomedes includes phrases like "treacherous turncoat," emphasizing the epic's grandeur and depth. While both translations stay true to the central themes, Merrill's version maintains a slightly more poetic and elevated tone, providing readers with a taste of the original's stylistic richness. Both translators successfully render the Iliad's epic narrative, offering unique pathways to appreciate Homer's timeless story.
Sing, Goddess, sing the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus—
that murderous anger which condemned Achaeans
to countless agonies and threw many warrior souls
deep into Hades, leaving their dead bodies
carrion food for dogs and birds—
all in fulfilment of the will of Zeus.
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.