E. V. Rieu and Ian Johnston offer two distinct translations of Homer's Iliad, each with its own style. Rieu's translation is characterized by its more straightforward and accessible prose, allowing readers to engage with the narrative in a clear and simplified manner. For instance, in Rieu's rendering of the introduction, the anger of Achilles is described as "accursed" and as a source of "endless sufferings" for the Greeks, which conveys the severe impact of this rage directly. Similarly, when Athena encourages Diomedes in Book 5, Rieu's translation presents Athena's words in an evocative, straightforward manner, emphasizing the encouragement with phrases like "drive your horses straight at him." In Book 6, Rieu uses a natural analogy, comparing human generations to tree leaves with a descriptive and contemplative tone. On the other hand, Ian Johnston's translation of the Iliad tends to be more rhythmic and embellished, retaining a poetic cadence that offers readers a sense of the original epic's flow. For example, the introductory lines vividly express the "murderous anger" of Achilles and the resultant "countless agonies" for the Achaeans, highlighting the grave consequences in a rhythmic structure. In Book 5, Athena's encouragement to Diomedes is conveyed with a similar lyrical quality, as Johnston maintains the structure of Homer’s verse. The analogy of leaves and generations in Book 6 is succinct and poetic, capturing the cyclical nature of life with a rhythm that echoes the original Greek. Johnston's language often emphasizes the grandeur and tragic undertones of the epic, providing a contrast to Rieu's more direct prose while preserving the essence of the story.
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, Goddess, sing the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus—
that murderous anger which condemned Achaeans
to countless agonies and threw many warrior souls
deep into Hades, leaving their dead bodies
carrion food for dogs and birds—
all in fulfilment of the will of Zeus.