Richmond Lattimore's translation of the *Iliad* is known for its fidelity to the original Greek text, capturing the epic's grandeur and solemnity with a straightforward and precise approach. His language tends to be formal and dignified, reflecting the elevated tone of the ancient epic. In phrases such as "Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilleus," Lattimore remains close to the syntax and rhythmic patterns of the original Greek. He maintains a consistent focus on the epic's tragic and heroic themes, exemplified in passages like, "As is the generation of leaves, so is that of humanity," where he mirrors the brevity and poignancy of the Greek. This creates a reading experience that is both faithful and authoritative, appealing particularly to those interested in a translation that prioritizes accuracy and a classical style. Caroline Alexander, on the other hand, brings a clarity and accessibility to her translation, striving to balance the poetic qualities of the epic with the needs of a contemporary audience. Her translation often employs slightly more modern language without losing the epic's powerful narrative drive. For example, her rendering of the opening "Wrath—sing, goddess, of the ruinous wrath of Peleus' son Achilles," uses language that is direct yet evocative, ensuring readers can easily grasp the intensity of the emotions portrayed. Alexander also captures the timeless nature of the themes, as seen in "As a generation of leaves, so is the generation of men," retaining the metaphor's depth while facilitating a smoother reading. Her version is particularly engaging for those who seek an epic experience that feels both familiar and accessible, while still honoring the literary heritage of Homer’s work.
Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilleus
and its devastation, which puts pains thousandfold upon the Achaians,
hurled in their multitudes to the house of Hades strong souls
of heroes, but gave their bodies to be the delicate feasting
of dogs, of all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished
since that time when first there stood in division of conflict
Atreus' son the lord of men and brilliant Achilleus.
Wrath—sing, goddess, of the ruinous wrath of Peleus' son Achilles,
that inflicted woes without number upon the Achaeans,
hurled forth to Hades many strong souls of warriors
and rendered their bodies prey for the dogs,
for all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished;
sing from when they two first stood in conflict—
Atreus' son, lord of men, and godlike Achilles.