E. V. Rieu’s translation of the Iliad is known for its clear and accessible prose style, aiming to bring the epic story to a broad modern audience. Rieu’s choice of words tends to emphasize straightforwardness and readability, as seen in passages like the introduction where he focuses on the "accursed anger" of Achilles and its devastating effects, reflecting the gravity of the narrative. His portrayal of divine interventions, such as Athena encouraging Diomedes, also maintains a direct approach with only subtle characterization, communicating the gods’ actions and their influence on the mortal realm in a clear manner. Rieu approaches the poetic nature of Homer’s work with simplicity, turning metaphors such as the cycle of human generations into easily understandable imagery like “the family of man” being “like the leaves of the trees.” In contrast, W. H. D. Rouse translates the Iliad with a somewhat more literary flair while still retaining comprehensibility, frequently employing a rhythm that echoes the original’s oral tradition. His translation captures the epic’s grandeur, as seen in lines like the introduction’s “bitter rancour” of Achilles, choosing words that convey both tension and poetic weight. Rouse vividly characterizes divine beings, using phrases such as “Mr. Facing-all-ways” to illustrate Ares’ fickle nature, showing a tendency to add slight embellishments which enliven the narrative. His rendering of similes, like the one comparing humanity to forest leaves, retains the lyrical quality of Homer’s original text, offering readers a more melodic but still graspable version of the epic's themes. Both translations succeed in making the Iliad accessible, yet their distinctive styles offer readers differing experiences of Homer’s timeless 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.
An angry man—There is my story: The bitter rancour of Achillês, prince of the house of Peleus, which brought a thousand troubles upon the Achaian host. Many a strong soul it sent down to Hadês, and left the heroes themselves a prey to dogs and carrion birds, while the will of God moved on to fulfilment.
It began first of all with a quarrel between my lord King Agamemnon of Atreus' line and the Prince Achillês.