E. V. Rieu's translation of the Iliad offers a straightforward and accessible narrative, focusing on conveying the story in clear and direct language. For example, his opening line introduces "anger," describing it in terms that emphasize its impact: "accursed anger, which brought the Greeks endless suffering." Rieu consistently uses such clear imagery to portray characters' thoughts and emotions, as seen with phrases like "don't be afraid of Ares or any other god," offering direct encouragement to Diomedes. This approach makes the Iliad approachable to modern readers by emphasizing its core themes through a lens of narrative clarity. Caroline Alexander, on the other hand, imbues her translation with a rhythmic and poetic quality, reflecting the epic's original oral tradition. Her use of richer, lyrical language is evident right from the start with "wrath" and "ruinous wrath," capturing a deeper emotional intensity. Athena's encouragement to Diomedes is presented in a similarly intricate style, with phrases such as "created for evil, double-faced," adding complexity to her reassurances. Alexander's translation maintains the epic's grandeur, providing readers with a rendering that stays close to the original Greek in both structure and nuance, while still presenting the timeless themes of fate and human struggle.
Anger — sing, goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that accursed anger, which brought the Greeks endless sufferings and sent the mighty souls of many warriors to Hades, leaving their bodies as carrion for the dogs and a feast for the birds; and Zeus' purpose was fulfilled. It all began when Agamemnon lord of men and godlike Achilles quarrelled and parted.
Wrath—sing, goddess, of the ruinous wrath of Peleus' son Achilles,
that inflicted woes without number upon the Achaeans,
hurled forth to Hades many strong souls of warriors
and rendered their bodies prey for the dogs,
for all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished;
sing from when they two first stood in conflict—
Atreus' son, lord of men, and godlike Achilles.