Ian Johnston's and Michael Reck's translations of the Iliad approach the epic with distinct stylistic choices, reflecting their interpretations of the original text. Johnston's version provides direct and clear language that emphasizes the poetic weight of the narrative, as seen in lines like "Sing, Goddess, sing the rage of Achilles," which opens the epic with a focus on the divine influence and the ensuing tragedy. His approach to characters' dialogues, such as Athena's encouragement to Diomedes, maintains a straightforward clarity, highlighting the interaction as a balance of divine support and personal valor with lines that focus on Athena's reassurance and strategic advice during battle. Similarly, Johnston elaborates common themes like the transitory nature of life and the allure of eternal glory through simplified metaphors, as in his depiction of life's cycles with "Generations of men are like the leaves." Michael Reck's translation opts for a more dynamic and vivid rendering, employing intense language and a slightly modern tone to engage a contemporary audience. In his version of the introduction, he describes Achilles' rage as "maniac rage: ruinous thing!" providing a dramatic flair that underscores the destructive nature of Achilles' anger. Reck’s depiction of Athena comforting Diomedes is lively and character-driven, with expressive diction that brings the goddess's personality to the forefront, describing Ares as "that crook, that lunatic, that renegade." When exploring themes of mortality and choice, Reck combines directness with a rhythmic structure, as demonstrated in his line "You perish too—why whimper?" to convey Achilles' perspective on fate and death. Both translations offer unique angles, Johnston's focusing on simplicity and clarity, while Reck’s emphasizes vividness and emotional expression.
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, Goddess, Achilles' maniac rage:
ruinous thing! it roused a thousand sorrows
and hurled many souls of mighty warriors
to Hades, made their bodies food for dogs
and carrion birds—as Zeus's will foredoomed—
from the time relentless strife came between
Atreus' son, a king, and brave Achilles.