The translations of the Iliad by Stanley Lombardo and W. H. D. Rouse offer distinct approaches to capturing the essence of Homer's epic poem. Lombardo's translation is noted for its directness and modern sensibility. He uses concise, vivid language to convey the intense emotions and actions within the narrative. For instance, Lombardo opens with a powerful and evocative description of Achilles' rage in the lines: "Sing, Goddess, Achilles' rage, Black and murderous, that cost the Greeks Incalculable pain." His style is characterized by a certain punchiness, as seen in his rendering of Athena's encouragement to Diomedes: "Drive your horses directly at Ares…He's nothing but A shifty lout." This approach makes the ancient text more accessible to contemporary readers, emphasizing the raw and dramatic aspects of the story. In contrast, W. H. D. Rouse's translation maintains a more classical and traditional tone, reflecting the era in which he wrote. His version begins with a deliberate and narrative-driven line: "An angry man—There is my story: The bitter rancour of Achillês." Rouse's language often includes more formal and elaborate phrasing, capturing the grandeur and dignity of the original work. His portrayal of the same scene with Athena employs more ornate language: "Diomedês, you are a man after my own heart. Drive straight for Arês! Hit him hard." While Rouse’s translation might appeal to readers who appreciate a more lyrical and formal retelling of the Iliad, it preserves a certain reverence for the epic's classical roots. Both translations, despite their different stylistic choices, strive to bring the timeless themes of heroism, fate, and mortality to their audiences.
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.
An angry man—There is my story: The bitter rancour of Achillês, prince of the house of Peleus, which brought a thousand troubles upon the Achaian host. Many a strong soul it sent down to Hadês, and left the heroes themselves a prey to dogs and carrion birds, while the will of God moved on to fulfilment.
It began first of all with a quarrel between my lord King Agamemnon of Atreus' line and the Prince Achillês.