Stanley Lombardo's translation of the Iliad is known for its modern, direct, and accessible language. He captures the intense emotions and dramatic actions in a way that is straightforward and engaging for contemporary readers. For example, in Book 1, he succinctly conveys the fury of Achilles: "Sing, Goddess, Achilles' rage, Black and murderous, that cost the Greeks Incalculable pain." Lombardo's style tends to be concise and highlights the raw, human aspects of the characters, making it approachable to those who might not be familiar with the epic's historical context. His translation strips down the linguistic complexity to focus on the emotional weight and immediacy of the story. In contrast, Rodney Merrill's translation maintains a closer adherence to the rhythm and phrasing reminiscent of the original Greek. His version of Book 1 begins, "Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus, ruinous rage which brought the Achaians uncounted afflictions." Merrill's translation often incorporates more of the formal structure found in epic poetry, such as a consistent meter that echoes the oral tradition in which the Iliad was composed. This style might be appealing to those who appreciate a more lyrical and traditional approach to the text. Both translations offer different experiences of the Iliad: Lombardo provides clarity and modern flair, while Merrill delivers a rhythmically faithful rendition full of rich, poetic resonance.
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 now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus,
ruinous rage which brought the Achaians uncounted afflictions;
many the powerful souls it sent to the dwelling of Hades,
those of the heroes, and spoil for the dogs it made of their bodies,
plunder for all of the birds, and the purpose of Zeus was accomplished—
sing from the time when first stood hostile, starting the conflict,
Atreus' scion, the lord of the people, and noble Achilles.