Stephen Mitchell's and Rodney Merrill's translations of the Iliad bring distinct styles and interpretations to the ancient text. Mitchell's translation is imbued with a conversational ease, making it accessible to modern readers while retaining the epic's gravitas. For instance, in his version of Book 1, he starts with, "The rage of Achilles—sing it now, goddess, sing through me," which emphasizes a direct engagement with the audience. His style often focuses on clarity and emotional depth, such as in Book 9, where he captures Achilles' dilemma with, "If I stay here...my glory will live forever; but if I return...my glory will die, but my life will be long and peaceful." Mitchell's rendition is thus notable for its smooth readability and emphasis on the narrative's emotional and philosophical stakes. In contrast, Rodney Merrill's translation strives for a rhythmic quality that echoes the oral tradition of the Homeric epics. His version is marked by a careful attention to meter, which aims to mirror the original Greek's dactylic hexameter. Merrill's translation often incorporates more formal and archaic language, such as in Book 1, "Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus," giving his translation a solemn, almost ceremonial tone. This stylistic choice is consistent throughout, as seen in Book 6, where he uses the imagery-rich phrase, "Like generations of leaves are those of humanity also." Merrill's version is thus characterized by its rhythmic fidelity to the original text and its rich, evocative language, appealing to readers interested in a more traditional and poetic experience.
The rage of Achilles—sing it now, goddess, sing through me
the deadly rage that caused the Achaeans such grief
and hurled down to Hades the souls of so many fighters,
leaving their naked flesh to be eaten by dogs
and carrion birds, as the will of Zeus was accomplished.
Begin at the time when bitter words first divided
that king of men, Agamemnon, and godlike Achilles.
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.