Rodney Merrill's translation of the Iliad offers a poetic and rhythmic rendition of Homer's epic. His version maintains a focus on preserving the formal elements of the original Greek text, utilizing a rhythmic structure that mimics the epic's dactylic hexameter. For example, in Book 1, Merrill captures the grandeur and weight of Achilles' wrath with phrases like "sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus," emphasizing the dramatic tone. The translation is notable for its choice of elevated language, evident in descriptions such as "ruinous rage which brought the Achaians uncounted afflictions," which seeks to convey the gravitas and tragic nature of the events unfolding. Merrill's interpretation often highlights the intensity of the emotions and the divine influences at play, as shown in scenes like Athena encouraging Diomedes and the vivid portrayal of mortality in the metaphor of leaves in Book 6. In contrast, Herbert Jordan's translation offers a more direct and straightforward approach, focusing on clarity and accessibility while still respecting the epic's narrative richness. Jordan's translation offers a clear depiction of the plot and relationships between characters, as seen in Book 1's introduction where he speaks of "Peleus' son Achilles' anger" and the consequential ordeals it brought to the Greeks. His language tends to be more modern and concise, making the storyline and complex dynamics easier to grasp for contemporary readers. For instance, in Book 9 when discussing fate, Jordan writes, "fate offers me two pathways to death," illustrating his tendency towards simplicity and directness. His depiction of the inevitable nature of mortality, such as in Book 21 where he describes Patroclus's death and the fate that awaits Achilles, underscores a straightforward rendering of the epic's major themes. Jordan's work provides a balance between narrative simplicity and the epic's thematic complexity.
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.
Sing, goddess, of Peleus' son Achilles' anger,
ruinous, that caused the Greeks untold ordeals,
consigned to Hades countless valiant souls,
heroes, and left their bodies prey for dogs
or feast for vultures. Zeus's will was done
from when those two first quarreled and split apart,
the king, Agamemnon, and matchless Achilles.