The translations of the Iliad by Michael Reck and Robert Graves offer differing approaches to Homer's epic. Reck's translation presents a straightforward and vivid depiction of the text, characterized by a directness and intensity in its language choice. For example, when Reck introduces the epic, Achilles' anger is described as a "maniac rage" that results in the spoils of war becoming food for "dogs and carrion birds," highlighting the brutal consequences of the hero's fury. This translation often uses modern idiomatic phrases, such as calling Ares a "crook, lunatic, renegade," which adds a contemporary touch to the ancient text and emphasizes the character's cunning nature. In contrast, Robert Graves's translation is marked by a lyrical and formal style, placing an emphasis on poetic rhythm and structure. Graves opens the epic with a call to the "Mountain Goddess" to sing of Achilles' anger, weaving meter into his language that aligns more closely with traditional epic poetry. His rendition of the Athena and Diomedes interaction includes descriptors like "joy of my heart" and "mad, raving fellow," maintaining an elevated tone throughout. Furthermore, the treatment of the human condition through the metaphor of leaves in Book 6 is expanded into a more detailed and structured verse, reflecting Graves's literary style. Both translations capture the timeless themes of the Iliad, yet they offer distinct experiences: Reck's directness and modernity versus Graves's poetic and classical approach.
Sing, Goddess, Achilles' maniac rage:
ruinous thing! it roused a thousand sorrows
and hurled many souls of mighty warriors
to Hades, made their bodies food for dogs
and carrion birds—as Zeus's will foredoomed—
from the time relentless strife came between
Atreus' son, a king, and brave Achilles.
Sing, Mountain Goddess, sing through me
That anger which most ruinously
Inflamed Achilles, Peleus' son,
And which, before the tale was done,
Had glutted Hell with champions—bold,
Stern spirits by the thousandfold;
Ravens and dogs their corpses ate
For thus did Zeus, who watched their fate,
See his resolve, first taken when
Proud Agamemnon, King of men,
An insult on Achilles cast,
Achieve accomplishment at last.