Richmond Lattimore's translation of Homer's *Iliad* is often praised for its attempt to remain faithful to the original Greek, with its rhythmic battles and poignant dialogues. Lattimore tends to use more archaic and elevated English, which can lend his translation a grand, solemn tone. For example, he describes Athena in Book 5 as "the goddess grey-eyed Athene" and Achilleus as "the son of Peleus," maintaining a traditional naming style. His translation of metaphors and similes, such as those describing the generations of men in Book 6 ("As is the generation of leaves"), are closer to the Greek text, offering a straightforward comparison that preserves the original structure and focus. Anthony Verity's translation, on the other hand, offers a slightly more modern approach without losing the grandeur of the epic. Verity uses simpler, more contemporary English, making it accessible to modern readers. In his translation of Book 5, he refers to Athena in a similar traditional manner but employs a more conversational tone, offering clarity and directness ("you should not on this account be afraid of Ares"). He also provides a smoother narrative flow, as seen in his rendering of the same simile about humanity and leaves, slightly rephrasing it for clarity ("As is the family of leaves, so it is also with men"). Verity's translation prioritizes readability, aiming to balance authenticity with the expectations of today's audience. Both translations, while differing in style and language, bring to the fore the epic's enduring themes of fate, glory, and human frailty.
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, the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son,
the accursed anger which brought the Achaeans countless
agonies and hurled many mighty shades of heroes into Hades,
causing them to become the prey of dogs and
all kinds of birds; and the plan of Zeus was fulfilled.
Sing from the time the two men were first divided in strife—
Atreus' son, lord of men, and glorious Achilles.