E. V. Rieu's translation of the Iliad is characterized by its straightforward and clear prose, which makes the complex narratives and themes of the epic accessible to a wide audience. For instance, his opening line in Book 1 introduces Achilles' anger in a concise way, emphasizing the resulting endless sufferings for the Greeks and the fulfillment of Zeus’ will. This approach continues in his portrayal of Athena's encouragement to Diomedes in Book 5, where he uses modern and informal language, referring to Ares as a "mad, double-dealing delinquent." Rieu's translation often simplifies the elevated style of the original text, ensuring that the essential human elements and moral dilemmas remain the focus, such as in Book 6 with the evocative comparison of human life to leaves and in Book 21, where the inevitability of death is laid bare in a blunt, conversational tone. In contrast, Robert Fitzgerald's translation maintains a more lyrical and poetic quality, retaining some of the original text's rhythmic elements and grandeur. His introduction to Achilles' wrath in Book 1 uses more formal language, setting the tone with phrases like “Akhilleus’ anger, doomed and ruinous.” In Book 5, Fitzgerald mirrors the mythical stature of Athena by having her address Diomedes in grand terms as "dear to my heart," enhancing the epic's dramatic tension and mythological overtones. He employs a more traditional style in Book 6, presenting the metaphor of human generations as flowing like “leaves upon this earth.” Fitzgerald captures the epic's thematic depth with a poetic grace, whether discussing Achilles' fate in Book 9 or the inevitability of death in Book 21, evoking a sense of timeless fate and heroic destiny. Both translations offer distinct interpretations, catering to the varied preferences of modern readers, with Rieu focusing on clarity and accessibility, while Fitzgerald emphasizes a poetic and lyrical rendition.
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.
Anger be now your song, immortal one,
Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous,
that caused the Akhaians loss on bitter loss
and crowded brave souls into the undergloom,
leaving so many dead men—carrion
for dogs and birds; and the will of Zeus was done.