Anthony Verity's translation of the Iliad provides a direct and straightforward rendering of the epic's themes and events. For example, in Book 1, Verity introduces the wrath of Achilles with clear and powerful language, emphasizing the hero's anger and its consequences for the Achaeans. This tone continues through key exchanges, such as Athena's encouragement to Diomedes in Book 5, showcasing the support the goddess offers with a sense of practical guidance, as she urges Diomedes not to fear Ares. Verity's approach is also evident in his retelling of Achilles' reflection on mortality in Book 21, maintaining focus on the inevitability of death even for great heroes. His style is accessible, capturing the gravity of the original text while ensuring clarity for readers. Meanwhile, Robert Graves's translation of the Iliad adopts a more poetic and lyrical style. The opening lines of Book 1 are imbued with musicality, invoking the "Mountain Goddess" in a way that highlights the epic's ancient origins and mystical elements. Graves applies this poetic touch throughout his translation, as seen in Book 5 with Athena's spirited plea to Diomedes, where vivid descriptive phrasing like "mad, raving fellow" adds a layer of dramatic intensity to the narrative. Furthermore, in describing the cycle of life and death with the metaphor of leaves in Book 6, Graves leans into the rhythm and rhyme of poetry, drawing an evocative parallel to human mortality. This stylistic choice continues into Book 21, where Achilles’ contemplation of his fate carries an introspective and poignant tone, reflecting both his heroism and human vulnerability.
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.
Sing, Mountain Goddess, sing through me
That anger which most ruinously
Inflamed Achilles, Peleus' son,
And which, before the tale was done,
Had glutted Hell with champions—bold,
Stern spirits by the thousandfold;
Ravens and dogs their corpses ate
For thus did Zeus, who watched their fate,
See his resolve, first taken when
Proud Agamemnon, King of men,
An insult on Achilles cast,
Achieve accomplishment at last.