The translations of the Iliad by A. T. Murray and Emily Wilson offer distinct styles and perspectives on Homer's epic. A. T. Murray's translation tends to maintain a formal tone, reflecting the grandeur and severity of ancient Greek storytelling. For instance, his version of the introduction begins with "The wrath sing, goddess, of Peleus' son, Achilles," which immediately sets a majestic and serious tone. This translation often preserves a more archaic structure and vocabulary, as seen in Book 5 with phrases like "smite him in close fight" and "raveth here a full-wrought bane," giving readers a sense of the original epic's ancient origins. Murray’s choice of language aims to evoke the original poetic flow and rhythm of the Greek text, using formal and imposing diction. Emily Wilson's translation, on the other hand, prioritizes clarity and modern accessibility without losing the epic's depth. Her opening in Book 1, "Goddess, sing of the cataclysmic wrath of great Achilles," uses clear, direct language, providing a vivid start to the story for contemporary readers. Wilson’s interpretation of Athena’s encouragement to Diomedes in Book 5 is more straightforward with phrases like "do not be scared of Ares" and "drive your horse straight at Ares," emphasizing clarity and the central action of the moment. While maintaining fidelity to the original text, Wilson’s translation often uses simpler syntax and vocabulary, making the Iliad more approachable for modern audiences and ensuring the narrative's emotional and thematic elements are easily understood.
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.
Goddess, sing of the cataclysmic wrath
of great Achilles, son of Peleus,
which caused the Greeks immeasurable pain
and sent so many noble souls of heroes
to Hades, and made men the spoils of dogs,
a banquet for the birds, and so the plan
of Zeus unfolded—starting with the conflict
between great Agamemnon, lord of men,
and glorious Achilles.