E. V. Rieu and Michael Reck offer distinct translations of Homer's Iliad, each capturing the epic's essence in their unique styles. Rieu's translation is characterized by its straightforward and accessible language, which accommodates modern readers without sacrificing the epic's gravitas. For instance, in Book 1, Rieu efficiently attributes the torment of the Greeks to the "accursed anger" of Achilles, setting a clear foundation for the ensuing drama. Similarly, his depiction of Athena urging Diomedes to face Ares in Book 5 maintains a directness that underscores the urgency of the divine intervention. In Book 6, the metaphor of humans as leaves is simply and powerfully conveyed, emphasizing the cycle of life and death. Rieu consistently prioritizes clarity and relatability, which aligns with his overarching aim to render this ancient text comprehensible to a wide audience. In contrast, Michael Reck's translation tends toward a more poetic and vivid approach, which can be seen in his choice of words and rhythm. In Book 1, Reck describes Achilles' fury as "maniac rage," employing a more intense and emotive language that amplifies the destructive power of Achilles' anger. His portrayal of Athena in Book 5 contains an animated characterization of Ares as a "crook" and "lunatic," adding a lively tone to the divine deception narrative. The imagery in Book 6, comparing mankind to the generations of leaves, echoes a lyrical quality found throughout Reck's version. Additionally, his translation in Book 21 conveys an almost philosophical reflection on mortality with the line "why whimper?" Both Rieu and Reck succeed in capturing the epic's spirit, albeit through different narrative lenses—Rieu through clarity and directness, and Reck with a flourish of poetic vigor.
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, 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.