Ian Johnston and W. H. D. Rouse offer distinct interpretations of Homer's Iliad through their translations, each imbuing the text with unique qualities. Johnston's translation tends to have a more straightforward, modern feel, employing phrases like "Sing, Goddess, sing the rage of Achilles" to capture the intensity of the story in a way that feels direct and immediate. This can be seen in his rendition of Book 5, where Athena encourages Diomedes with phrases like "Hit him up close. Have no fear of headstrong Ares." It succinctly conveys the urgency and straightforwardness that characterizes many modern translations. Johnston's style aims for clarity and accessibility, using modern syntax while maintaining the epic's dramatic tone. Conversely, W. H. D. Rouse presents an approach that feels more traditional and conversational, often using colloquial language that adds a distinct flavor to the ancient text. His version starts with "An angry man—There is my story," which sets a different tone, focusing on narration and character-driven storytelling. In a passage like Athens' advice to Diomedes, Rouse employs terms like "Mr. Facing-all-ways" to convey Ares's fickle nature, adding an almost playful quality to the description. This informal language can make the epic feel more intimate and relatable to readers. Both translations strive to capture the timeless nature of the Iliad, yet their distinct styles offer readers diverse experiences of the ancient text.
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.
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.