The translations of the Iliad by A. T. Murray and Anthony Verity present distinct approaches to rendering the epic's powerful narrative into English. Murray's translation uses a formal and somewhat archaic style that echoes the original Greek in a way that may feel more distancing for modern readers. For example, lines such as "The wrath sing, goddess, of Peleus' son, Achilles" in Murray's version capture the formality and grandeur of Homeric epic language, which some might find retains the ancient feel of the text. In contrast, Verity employs a more contemporary and accessible style, illustrated by his translation of the same line: "SING, goddess, the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son," which seeks to maintain the epic's intense emotion while being more direct and easier to comprehend for today's audience. In terms of character dialogues and descriptions, both translations strive to convey the essence of Homer's work but through different stylistic lenses. Murray's rendering of Athena's encouragement to Diomedes ("fear thou not Ares...") connects to the formal and somewhat ornate style consistent with his approach, while Verity rephrases it as "you should not on this account be afraid of Ares," which aims to be straightforward and clear, reflecting modern conversational English. Both translations handle thematic elements such as fate and the transient nature of life with nuance, though Verity's choice of words often prioritizes clarity, such as in the passage about the generations of leaves. Consequently, while Murray captures the epic's grand tone with a historical flair, Verity offers a translation that emphasizes lucidity and direct engagement with the text, catering to readers seeking a more accessible experience.
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, goddess, the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son,
the accursed anger which brought the Achaeans countless
agonies and hurled many mighty shades of heroes into Hades,
causing them to become the prey of dogs and
all kinds of birds; and the plan of Zeus was fulfilled.
Sing from the time the two men were first divided in strife—
Atreus' son, lord of men, and glorious Achilles.