Emily Wilson's translation of the Iliad begins with a powerful and evocative introduction that emphasizes the devastating wrath of Achilles, highlighting the human suffering and grand cosmic plans at play. Her style is clear and direct, focusing on the emotional and moral complexities of the characters and their fates. For instance, she captures the ominous tension between gods and mortals in lines like Athena's encouragement to Diomedes, where divine and human alignments twist and turn throughout the epic. Wilson's portrayal of Achilles' struggle between glory and a long life brings out the philosophical undertones of the warrior's internal conflict, using poetic but straightforward language to emphasize the choice between everlasting fame and the comforts of home. W. H. D. Rouse’s translation offers a more traditional narrative style, presenting the same scenes with a different focus on character voice and storytelling, starting with the "angry man" as the central motif in the introduction. Rouse's language is somewhat more formal and grounded in classicism, casting the gods in a somewhat more satirical light, as seen in Athena's interaction with Diomedes where Ares is called "Mr. Facing-all-ways." His rendition of the transitory nature of human life and Achilles' choice between fame and longevity echoes a cyclical theme, while his version of Achilles' acceptance of mortality emphasizes the inevitability of fate. Rouse’s approach thus provides a timeless narrative feel, resonating with the oral traditions that likely informed the original epic’s performance.
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.
An angry man—There is my story: The bitter rancour of Achillês, prince of the house of Peleus, which brought a thousand troubles upon the Achaian host. Many a strong soul it sent down to Hadês, and left the heroes themselves a prey to dogs and carrion birds, while the will of God moved on to fulfilment.
It began first of all with a quarrel between my lord King Agamemnon of Atreus' line and the Prince Achillês.