Stanley Lombardo's translation of the Iliad is known for its straightforward, contemporary language that makes the epic accessible to modern readers while retaining the power and intensity of the original text. Unlike more formal translations, Lombardo uses a direct and colloquial style that captures the raw emotion and vivid action of the story. For example, his treatment of Achilles' rage in Book 1 or Athena's encouragement of Diomedes in Book 5 is both approachable and impactful, drawing readers into the drama of each scene. Comparatively, Lombardo's version lacks the archaic diction or elevated language found in translations like those by Alexander Pope or Richmond Lattimore, instead offering a narration that feels immediate and relatable. This approach has made Lombardo's translation particularly popular for those seeking to experience the Iliad in a manner that feels fresh and engaging without losing the epic's timeless themes.
Sing, Goddess, Achilles' rage,
Black and murderous, that cost the Greeks
Incalculable pain, pitched countless souls
Of heroes into Hades' dark,
And left their bodies to rot as feasts
For dogs and birds, as Zeus' will was done.