The translations of Homer's *Iliad* by E. V. Rieu and Emily Wilson both aim to bring the ancient text to a modern readership, yet they differ in style and tone. Rieu's translation tends to prioritize clarity and a straightforward narrative style. For example, his description of the wrath of Achilles in Book 1 is concise and direct: "Anger — sing, goddess, the anger of Achilles...". This approach maintains a focus on relatability and simplicity in language. Similarly, when Athena encourages Diomedes in Book 5, Rieu uses contemporary phrasing: "Quick now — drive your horses... Don't be intimidated by wild Ares..." to convey urgency in an accessible manner. In contrast, Emily Wilson's translation is known for its lyrical and rhythmic qualities, often maintaining more of the original poetic structure. Her opening line in Book 1, "Goddess, sing of the cataclysmic wrath...", captures a grander sense of drama with varied line breaks and meter. In her version of Athena's exhortation to Diomedes, Wilson retains a sense of epic scope and engaging immediacy with phrases like "do not be scared of Ares," and "He was made for trouble—violent, and aggressive, and insane." Both translations convey the core themes of Homer’s epic, like mortality and heroism, but do so with distinct stylistic choices that reflect their translators' individual sensibilities.
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.
Goddess, sing of the cataclysmic wrath
of great Achilles, son of Peleus,
which caused the Greeks immeasurable pain
and sent so many noble souls of heroes
to Hades, and made men the spoils of dogs,
a banquet for the birds, and so the plan
of Zeus unfolded—starting with the conflict
between great Agamemnon, lord of men,
and glorious Achilles.