Stanley Lombardo's translation of the *Iliad* presents a modern and accessible rendition of Homer's epic, using straightforward and dynamic language that resonates with contemporary audiences. For example, in Book 1, he begins with the direct and impactful phrase, "Sing, Goddess, Achilles' rage, Black and murderous," setting a vivid tone for the narrative. Lombardo emphasizes emotional immediacy and clarity, as seen in his interpretation of Athena encouraging Diomedes in Book 5, where she calls Ares "a shifty lout." This use of colloquial language brings the characters to life in a way that is relatable for modern readers. Lombardo's approach often prioritizes the emotional and psychological depth of the narrative, focusing on the internal conflicts and existential themes, such as the transient nature of life depicted in Book 6: "Human generations are like leaves in their seasons." A. T. Murray, on the other hand, offers a more formal and traditional translation, adhering closely to the original Greek structure and style. His version of Book 1 starts with, "The wrath sing, goddess, of Peleus' son, Achilles," maintaining the formal diction and classical syntax of the original text. Murray's language reflects the epic's ancient roots, providing a sense of its historical and cultural depth. In Book 5, Athena's encouragement to Diomedes retains the gravitas of reverential speech, with phrases like "fear thou not Ares." This translation style preserves the epic's dignified tone, appealing to readers who appreciate a more classical approach. Murray's rendition captures the philosophical elements with a sense of reverence for the text's poetic nature, as seen in passages contemplating fate and mortality, such as the metaphor of leaves in Book 6, "Even as are the generations of leaves, such are those also of men."
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.
The wrath sing, goddess, of Peleus' son, Achilles, that destructive wrath which brought countless woes upon the Achaeans, and sent forth to Hades many valiant souls of heroes, and made them themselves spoil for dogs and every bird; thus the plan of Zeus came to fulfillment, from the time when first they parted in strife Atreus' son, king of men, and brilliant Achilles.