Herbert Jordan's translation of Homer's *Iliad* is celebrated for its clarity and directness, making the epic accessible to modern readers without sacrificing the grandeur of the original text. Jordan employs straightforward language while maintaining the work's epic and timeless qualities, allowing readers to engage with the story of Achilles, the Greek and Trojan heroes, and the gods with ease. Unlike some translations that may lean heavily on poetic embellishments or archaic language, Jordan’s version is more in line with a narrative style that emphasizes storytelling. His translation is comparable to others, such as those by Robert Fagles and Richmond Lattimore, in preserving the epic's richness, though his style may appeal more to those seeking a clear and thoughtful rendition that is both relatable and respectful to the Homeric tradition.
Sing, goddess, of Peleus' son Achilles' anger,
ruinous, that caused the Greeks untold ordeals,
consigned to Hades countless valiant souls,
heroes, and left their bodies prey for dogs
or feast for vultures. Zeus's will was done
from when those two first quarreled and split apart,
the king, Agamemnon, and matchless Achilles.