The translations of Homer's *Iliad* by A. T. Murray and Rodney Merrill offer distinct approaches that reflect their individual styles and interpretive choices. A. T. Murray's translation, part of the esteemed Loeb Classical Library, provides a prose version that aims for a balance between literal fidelity and accessibility for a scholarly audience. His translation often employs a formal tone, as seen in lines like the introduction to Book 1, where he writes about "the wrath sing, goddess, of Peleus' son, Achilles," emphasizing a direct invocation to the muse in a structured manner. Murray diligently preserves the epic's original gravitas while making it approachable for readers who seek a clear understanding of the text's historical and cultural context. On the other hand, Rodney Merrill's translation endeavors to capture the rhythm and musicality of the original Greek through the use of English verse. His rendition of the same invocation in Book 1, "Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus," highlights a rhythmic flow emphasized by line breaks and careful word choice that draw attention to the auditory qualities of the text. Merrill's focus on the poetic elements attempts to resonate with the oral tradition of the Homeric epics. Throughout his translation, Merrill strives to maintain the spirited and dynamic tone of the original, offering readers an experience that is as much about the sound of the language as it is about the narrative being conveyed. Both translations serve their purpose effectively: Murray’s as a clear and accessible prose rendition, and Merrill’s as a rhythmically faithful verse version, allowing readers to appreciate the Iliad from different perspectives.
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.
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.