Stanley Lombardo and Michael Reck both translate Homer's *Iliad* with unique styles that bring their interpretations to life, while also remaining faithful to the epic's core themes. Lombardo's translation is known for its simplicity and accessibility, as seen in his direct language that conveys the essence of the original text clearly. For example, in the introduction of Book 1, Lombardo describes Achilles' rage as "black and murderous," using stark terms that immediately set the tone for the epic's themes of wrath and consequence. Similarly, his depiction of Athena encouraging Diomedes in Book 5 uses colloquial language like "shifty lout," presenting the gods with a more humanized and relatable tone. Lombardo's translation effectively captures the sweeping emotions and rhythm of the epic, making it suitable for contemporary readers seeking a straightforward approach. Michael Reck, on the other hand, adopts a slightly more expressive style, often using evocative imagery and varied sentence structures to convey the narrative's grandeur. In his introduction to Book 1, Reck refers to Achilles' rage as "maniac," emphasizing its destructive force and the "ruinous" aftermath. His translation of Athena's encouragement to Diomedes maintains a poetic cadence, calling Ares a "crook" and "renegade," which adds a layer of intensity and drama to the narrative. Reck's version brings an additional lyrical quality to the text, adding nuances that might appeal to readers who enjoy a more colorfully detailed rendition. Both translators successfully convey the timeless tale of *The Iliad*, each offering a distinctive lens through which the reader can explore the epic's enduring story.
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, Goddess, Achilles' maniac rage:
ruinous thing! it roused a thousand sorrows
and hurled many souls of mighty warriors
to Hades, made their bodies food for dogs
and carrion birds—as Zeus's will foredoomed—
from the time relentless strife came between
Atreus' son, a king, and brave Achilles.