Stanley Lombardo and Samuel Butler offer distinct approaches in their translations of Homer's Iliad, reflecting their personal styles and the era in which they wrote. Lombardo's translation is known for its modern, direct presentation, aiming to capture the raw energy and fervor of the original text in a concise manner. For instance, in Lombardo's depiction of Achilles' rage, his language is dynamic and immediate: "Achilles’ rage, / Black and murderous, that cost the Greeks / Incalculable pain." He emphasizes the visceral, urgent emotions at play, making the text accessible to contemporary readers. In Book 5, Lombardo portrays Athena's encouragement to Diomedes with informal and vivid expressions like calling Ares a "shifty lout," which conveys a casual tone, fitting his intention to make the epic relatable. In contrast, Samuel Butler's translation is more formal and traditional, mirroring the Victorian period's linguistic sensibilities. His choice of words often emphasizes a structured and detailed narrative, as seen in his version of Achilles’ introduction: "the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills." Butler’s translation provides a more elaborate depiction, reflecting classical language traditions. In Book 5, Athena's encouragement is also more reserved: "fear not this raging madman, villain incarnate," offering a dignified portrayal suitable for Butler’s contemporary audience. Both translations maintain the essence of the Iliad, yet they diverge in tone and style—Lombardo's is brisk and modern, while Butler's leans towards a grand and formal recounting.
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.
Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades, and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures, for so were the counsels of Jove fulfilled from the day on which the son of Atreus, king of men, and great Achilles, first fell out with one another.