Richmond Lattimore and Robert Fitzgerald offer distinct translations of Homer's Iliad, reflecting their individual styles and approaches. Lattimore's translation is noted for its close adherence to the original Greek text, aiming for fidelity in expression and rhythm. His language is often formal and precise, maintaining the epic's grandeur. For instance, in Lattimore's version of Book 1, the invocation to the muse begins with "Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilleus," capturing the formal structure and elevated tone of the original. Similarly, his depiction of human life in Book 6 uses imagery like "the generation of leaves" to convey a sense of impermanence, remaining true to Greek metaphors. In contrast, Fitzgerald opts for a more contemporary and accessible style, which can make the text more approachable for modern readers. His translation tends to smooth out some of the complexities found in the original language, favoring clarity and readability. In Book 1, he opens with "Anger be now your song, immortal one," simplifying the structure while still conveying the epic's central theme. The language in Fitzgerald's version is straightforward, as seen in his expression of human transience in Book 6 with the line "Very like leaves upon this earth are the generations of men." While both translators capture the essence of the epic, Lattimore emphasizes the poem's ancient roots and intricate style, whereas Fitzgerald seeks to speak more directly to today's readers.
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.
Anger be now your song, immortal one,
Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous,
that caused the Akhaians loss on bitter loss
and crowded brave souls into the undergloom,
leaving so many dead men—carrion
for dogs and birds; and the will of Zeus was done.