Anthony Verity and Emily Wilson offer distinct translations of Homer's Iliad, each bringing unique stylistic choices to the epic poem. Verity's translation maintains a formal and classical tone, endeavoring to closely mimic the original structure and style. His introduction to Book 1 captures the formality, by starting with "SING, goddess," which echoes traditional invocations found in older translations. This formality continues when Athena reassures Diomedes in Book 5, where Verity uses more archaic phraseology like "single-hoofed horses" and "a shape formed of evil." His choice of words often reflects a more literal translation approach, as seen when discussing the impermanence of human life in Book 6 where he employs a direct comparison to "the family of leaves." Emily Wilson, on the other hand, opts for a more contemporary and accessible translation that aims to resonate with modern readers. She begins Book 1 by succinctly referring to the "cataclysmic wrath" of Achilles, using more vivid language that prioritizes clarity and impact. Her depiction of Athena's encouragement to Diomedes uses straightforward language with phrases like "shapeshifter" and "made for trouble" in Book 5, which conveys action and emotion in a more relatable manner. Wilson maintains this clarity while addressing the theme of mortality in Book 21, where she simplifies the language to emphasize Achilles' complex acceptance of fate, saying, "death and strong destiny will come for me." Both translations remain faithful to the core themes and narrative of the Iliad while offering readers differing experiences through their stylistic and linguistic choices.
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.
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.