E. V. Rieu and Robert Graves offer two distinct translations of Homer's "Iliad," each with its own unique style. Rieu's approach is straightforward and narrative-driven, making the text accessible to modern readers with clear, descriptive language. For instance, his translation opens with a direct invocation to the goddess to sing about Achilles' anger, emphasizing the endless sufferings brought upon the Greeks. Similarly, when Athena encourages Diomedes, Rieu captures her rallying spirit in a concise, commanding manner. Rieu's translation is marked by simplicity and a focus on the story's human elements, evidenced in lines like "The family of man is like the leaves of the trees," which underscores the cycle of life without embellishment. He maintains this tone throughout, particularly in Achilles' reflection on destiny and mortality, conveying the inevitability of fate with poignant clarity. In contrast, Robert Graves' translation brings a poetic flair to the "Iliad," using rhythmic and imaginative language. His version begins with an evocative call to the "Mountain Goddess," setting a lyrical tone that persists throughout the text. In the scene with Athena and Diomedes, Graves crafts vibrant imagery, referring to Ares as a "mad, raving fellow," which adds a dramatic and expressive layer to the narrative. His treatment of the metaphor of leaves and mankind is rendered in a structured poetic form, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life with a more artistic touch. Achilles' reflections in Graves' translation provide a nuanced insight into the hero's inner turmoil, with lines that are rich in rhythm and metaphor. Graves offers a translation that is both evocative and rich in literary style, appealing to readers who appreciate a more embellished and stylized rendition of the epic tale.
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.
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.