E. V. Rieu's translation of the Iliad presents the text with a focus on accessibility and clarity, using straightforward language to convey the epic's themes and events. For example, Rieu introduces the poem with direct language to describe Achilles' anger and its consequences, emphasizing the narrative's impact on the Greeks and Trojans without embellishing the details: "Anger — sing, goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that accursed anger, which brought the Greeks endless sufferings." This approach continues throughout the translation, as seen in passages like the encouragement of Diomedes by Athena—"Quick now — drive your horses straight at him"—and the philosophical reflections on the human condition as comparable to the leaves of a tree. Rieu's translation tends to be straightforward and focused on conveying the core narrative to a general audience without complex poetic structures. Anthony Verity's translation, on the other hand, maintains a style that is reflective of the original's epic form, giving attention to rhythm and a slightly more formal tone while still being accessible. His rendering of the poem's introduction uses a more elevated structure: "SING, goddess, the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son," which captures both the narrative and its inherent grandiosity. In passages such as Athena’s words to Diomedes, Verity includes rich character descriptions: "Diomedes, son of Tydeus, delight of my heart," adding a layer of emotional connection and complexity. Verity's translation also mirrors the original's regard for the ephemeral nature of life using poetic expression: "As is the family of leaves, so it is also with men." Both translations succeed in making the Iliad accessible while having distinct approaches: Rieu with clarity and directness, and Verity with a nod to the original’s structure and formality.
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, the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son,
the accursed anger which brought the Achaeans countless
agonies and hurled many mighty shades of heroes into Hades,
causing them to become the prey of dogs and
all kinds of birds; and the plan of Zeus was fulfilled.
Sing from the time the two men were first divided in strife—
Atreus' son, lord of men, and glorious Achilles.