Richmond Lattimore’s translation of the Iliad focuses on preserving the grandeur and formal structure of the original Greek epic, resulting in a text that is both dignified and majestic in tone. His use of language is deliberate and expansive, aiming to retain the complexity and rhythm of Homer’s poetry. For instance, in Book 1, he begins with "Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilleus," a line that captures the solemnity and gravity of the epic’s themes. Lattimore's overall approach is to provide a translation that is close to the Greek text, emphasizing the story's epic scale and its tragic dimensions, as seen in lines like "the delicate feasting of dogs, of all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished." In contrast, Stanley Lombardo’s translation takes a more contemporary and accessible approach, offering a version that is immediate and vivid. Lombardo opts for more straightforward and colloquial language, making the text feel alive and relatable. His opening line in Book 1, "Sing, Goddess, Achilles' rage," cuts directly to the chase, prioritizing clear communication over formal structure. This approach is consistent throughout the text, as seen in lines like "You die too, friend. Don't take it hard." His translation captures the raw emotion and energy of the original, focusing on clarity and drive rather than poetic ornamentation. Lombardo’s work is designed to resonate with modern readers by highlighting the human elements of the story within the epic framework.
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.
Sing, Goddess, Achilles' rage,
Black and murderous, that cost the Greeks
Incalculable pain, pitched countless souls
Of heroes into Hades' dark,
And left their bodies to rot as feasts
For dogs and birds, as Zeus' will was done.