Anthony Verity and Michael Reck offer distinct translations of Homer's Iliad, each with a unique style and tone. Verity’s translation tends to be more literal and faithful to the original Greek text, aiming for a certain fidelity to the epic's formal structure. For instance, in Verity's introduction in Book 1, the diction is precise and formal: "the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son, the accursed anger." His choice of words like "accursed" emphasizes the gravity and catastrophic repercussions of Achilles' wrath. Similarly, Verity's rendering of Book 5's scene with Athena and Diomedes uses careful and elaborate phrasing, reflecting the complexity of divine intervention: "that is the kind of support I give to you." Such choices maintain a stately cadence and highlight the nuanced relationships between gods and mortals. In comparison, Michael Reck's translation opts for more modern and dynamic language, which often feels more dramatic and conversational. In the same introductory passage, he describes Achilles' rage as "maniac" and "ruinous," using strong adjectives that immediately convey emotion and urgency, making the text more accessible to contemporary readers. Reck’s translation of Athena’s encouragement to Diomedes in Book 5 uses a direct and lively style: "my dear man, do not fear Ares," with phrases like "that crook, that lunatic" lending a colloquial tone that portrays the gods with more vivid personality. This tone persists in Reck's depiction of the ephemeral nature of life in Book 6, where "Men are like generations of leaves," employs straightforward imagery that captures the cycle of life and death succinctly. Both translators offer distinct interpretations, with Verity focusing on textual fidelity and Reck prioritizing immediacy and engagement.
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, 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.