I can confidently say that after reading five of these translations, that the one by E. V. Reiu is my favorite. While the one by W. H. D. Rouse felt like a quick read and was much plainer and easier to read, it removes a lot of the beautiful descriptions and poetry that makes the Iliad such a great read, and makes it seem like it's just a boring book about gods and fighting. It's called epic poetry for a reason. It's not supposed to be an easy read, and buying a translation just because its the easiest to read won't help you to gain a better understanding.
I read his revised translation (D .C. H Rieu) but bought Fagles translation for the Iliad. Is the Odyssey also originally meant to be in verse like the Iliad?
My favorite so far is the Stephen Mitchell translation of “The Iliad”. I feel it really captures the warrior ethos, positive masculinity, and hip-hop like macho bravado of the original. His poetic meter has a flow that needs to really be heard or read aloud to appreciate it.
This is how I felt about a recent translation I got of 1,001 Nights. There was absolutely no music or rhythm to the prose--it felt like it was written for a 5-year old child (and yet had none of the lightness and excitement of a children's book either). Preserving beauty is important in translation.
My favorite so far is the Stephen Mitchell translation of “The Iliad”. I feel it really captures the warrior ethos, positive masculinity, and hip-hop like macho bravado of the original. His poetic meter has a flow that needs to really be heard or read aloud to appreciate it.
@@nutyyyy They were from completely different kingdooms, there was almost no way they were related by blood, but if you wanna talk possibilities, there was more than 70% chance they were lovers, not gay, but lovers
This is Ancient Greece man... everyone not ‘really’ gay but you know like it’s a long campaign and you gots a young lil apprentice and the nights are long...
Thank you for taking on this topic. I say that Pope's translation is magnificent, but it is not the place to start. If you are coming to the Iliad for the first time you are not ready for Pope. You need to understand the story really well, and you have to be enthusiastic about reading it again (and again). If you're new start with prose, then move to Fagles, then to Pope. Climb the ladder. Fagles is clear and modern, is widely available, and comes with an introduction by the scholar Bernard Knox. The exciting news is that Emily Wilson's translation is now available, and based on her translation of The Odyssey, will likely (in my mind) surpass Fagles, and maybe even Pope.
This is a great idea, Reesha! I had no idea there were so many editions. I read the Robert Fagles too and really enjoyed it but I have to say, the Alexander Pope one does sound beautiful, if harder to understand 😂
That's because it's written in the heroic couplet, a staple choice for Pope. He loved to use this, especially since it also allowed him to write in iambic pentameter. Read 'The Rape of the Lock' to see the full capacity of the heroic couplet. But translating the Iliad by using this form is not a good idea.
I actually think the Alexander pope is a really good one for many reasons. It IS poetic, unlike the others which tend to have narrative form. It IS rhythmic. And it is very well translated. But each one of us has their own opinions 😊
Robert fagles is my favorite translator but i hear that emily wilson the professor who translated the odyssey in 2017(which was great by the way) is translating the iliad and I'm really excited to read her take on it.
Great video. Im reading the Stephen Mitchell translation currently. Very easy to read to my surprise. I have never read the Iliad before. I picked up his translation of the Odyssey too. Ive recently got the urge to read up on as many classics as I can. So, I will be coming to your channel a lot. Keep up the great work.
Thank you for this great overview! You put so much work and research into this. I have the Robert Fagles translation on my wishlist for Christmas. I might check out Caroline Alexander as well though. Fagles defiantly has the most beautiful edition though :D
I picked up the Robert Fagles translation on a whim and quickly fell into a deep hole researching greek mythology and history to help me understand all these references. thanks for going through all these editions and feeding into my research addiction! 😂 While I like how easy this translation is to read, I feel like I'm missing out on the more beautiful, song-like translations. I might try one of these! By the way, are you going to film a review? It would be great to hear your thoughts as I go through it.
I actually started researching about all the translations (Hence the video) and about Greek mythology after I got into the Iliad. I definitely plan on filming a review for the book, as soon as I finish reading it! I know, I know, I should have finished the book by now. Life happened and I stopped the book in the middle, I plan on reading it as soon as I can.
Good summary and very good advice. I too had trouble finding a translation that suited my style of reading and also found Pope’s translation the best for what I wanted. Partly because as I am older (and graduated before American school systems decided that students didn’t need to know English, Maths or the History of the country they live in). And, you are also right, Pope's verse flows better and that also enhances the readability of the story. Thank you for you time and insight.
I wish I came by such a video when I was about to read the Iliad. So helpful. The one I ended up reading was Martin Hammond’s, for no particular reason. I agree that it’s accessible and it’s quite good. I read E.V. Rieu’s translation of the Odyssey, and I enjoyed it a lot. In my rereads I’ll try a verse edition, and I’ll be going back to this video to make the final decision.
Thank you! This was so helpful. I'm currently reading the Penguin Deluxe - Fagles as well which is gorgeous. But Pope's translation sounds beautiful. I might get those after.
This is really helpful! Thank you for this video! I want to read the Illiad at some point too and choosing a good translation is definitely a struggle. I think I'll get a prose one. Prose is easier for me to read
i read nearly all these mentioned. alexander pope's homer is the most fun, its very difficult but when you get it its really beautiful, worth the effort, his odyssey is even better, whd rouse is my favourite simple version of the iliad. steven mitchel is brilliant! the best audible audiobook illiad is reiu
Hello Reesha Didi! This was a very informative video. Your detailed explanation was very helpful for someone like me, who haven't read Iliad by Homer yet. I would love to read the Fagles's translation as it is a very famous one. But...currently I don't think that I would read this book. Iliad is a difficult book to understand, but I think I should challenge reading it someday. And you are always there to help your viewers out!😘 Love 💘 you Stay safe and Happy Reading 📚
Thank you so much ☺️ Yes! Take your time with the classics. Read whichever one you’re in the mood for. Hope this video is helpful whenever you feel like reading The Iliad.
Good survey! Here is a list of the versions I have read. Now, I know that purists will disagree, but E.V. Rieu's translation of 1950 made the Iliad accessible to students (like myself) in secondary school. I'm told that Samuel Butler's translation of around 1900 (Barnes and Noble) is similarly readable. I have also read long selections from Richmond Lattimore (1951). After you have read Rieu or Butler, Lattimore is richly rewarding in its archaism and fidelity to the original. And finally, Fagles is a tremendous poetic rendering of this in many ways tragic story. But for students, I would go with Rieu or Butler.
I was searching for prose translation. This video is Really helpful one. So i ordered Samuel Butler's prose edition as Im literally a beginner. Thank you so much 🙏✨ God bless you ✨
I agree with your assessment of the Fagles translation. Pope's translation is also written in the same poetic meter as Homer's : dactylic hexameter! No small accomplishment.
Well done. I first read the Iliad 60 years ago and is one of the books I read every year. You're piece is great because so many people start the book and gets lost in the language or just find it tedious and stop. The only thing I would add is that I would avoid any translation which uses Roman gods. I have never understood that. Thank you and I will be looking forward to your next video.
Oh my. So many considerations. Research truly is important. I read it in elementary school. It was probably a translation rich in the story and not the verse. I think I will get yours. If I can remember the blue title I'll be going well.
Im glad i found this vlog ive been planning to read illiad and odyssey but i cant decide which the best translation. Thank you so much! Edit: im gonna get from the penguin deluxe with a map inside. Lol. Thank you again!
Thank you Reesha! I just finished reading the odyssey, translated by E. V. Rieu and were looking for a comparison of the english Illiad translations. Your video gave me a wonderful insight into the various translations available. Greetings from Austria
If you want to read Greek tragedies, Lattimore’s translations are the best. I highly recommend these after The Iliad. Also, The Great Courses has fantastic audio courses on all of these texts.
I’ve read the Iliad in Greek and many translations but I still think Lattamore is the best. To me it seems the closest to the Greek. It has the right cadence.
I like the Rodney Merrill translation. He uses the original meter, dactylic hexameter, which has a hypnotic rhythm that I love. "Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus, / Ruinous rage which brought the Achaians uncounted afflictions"
As a common reader just for fun and a story teller for my children, I 'd like to read graphic book, such as of Gareth Hinds, also an impressive one, still keeping the original feeling of the classical book, while extracting the most fantastic scenes put to you.
We may see it that way, but it's important to remember that the Greeks held martial courage as one of the highest virtues and many of the greatest figures in antiquity fashioned themselves after Achilles.
I've read passages from several English translations, and they just didn't come together. English doesn't handle hexameter too well, it's a wayward language when it comes to poetry. My all-time favorite is the translation into Russian by Gnedich. It's another level: it pumps electricity through your blood from beginning to end
Thank you. I am fascinated by this. I know some of the Russian translators were really first rate. One of my primary regrets was leaving on the shelf a Russian translation of "Leaves of Grass," by Walt Whitman when I saw it in a used book store. I have some ability to read Russian, and am fussy about English translations of Russian Literature.
Emily Wilson has just done a new translation. Its meant to be very good. And its supposed to be far less sexist than the other translations and more faithful to the original. I definitely want to read it.
We need to place ourselves in the era of bronze age living. The more poetic and rythmic, then the more enchanting to an audience gathered round a fire or small venue with stage.
I can definitely recommend the Robert Fagles translation. I cannot say with the Iliad but I’ve read his version of the Odyssey (for uni in 2010) and I really enjoyed it. It was poetic without a forced rhyme - I found it had a nice rhythm. I’ve compared some of the other more recent translations of the Odyssey (the first few paragraphs) and I still find Fagles the most accessible all these years later.
I read the WHD Rouse prose edition then Peter Green's translation and just finished Lattimore's. Lattimore seemed to cut the lengths of the verses down a bit so they didn't dangle as much as some of the others. I haven't read Fagles' yet but if it is as good as his Odyssey and Aeneid, then it's definitely on my TBR list. Caroline Alexander's "The War That Killed Achilles" is a good companion book after you've read the Iliad.
I think this was a very fun video but I have some issues with the terms 'worst', 'bad', 'good', 'best'. If one translation suits one better than another, that does not make that other a bad translation. Every translator puts their own personal touch to it or it could be written in another time period. Their intention and their goal audience may differ (like for someone who wants to enjoy the story or someone who studies ancient greek and has to consult a premade translation for some help). If it's published by such press-companies, they will certainly not publish a bad one (that is translated in such a way that it alters the story or intentionally leave parts out). Everyone has their own personal taste and just has to find the right fit for them. But all this criticism aside, I really like your videos, keep up the good work! ps: i hope you will read The Perfume by Patrick Suskind hihi
I do understand what you mean: and that’s why I didn’t say any of the translation is the best or the worst. I haven’t read them all to be a judge of that and you’re right : no one can say for sure what’s the best one out there. It’s a very objective choice. But thank you for sharing your feedback 💕
I read the iliad in verse form, and it was somewhat difficult to follow, but afterwards I read the dutch book " Mythen en sagen van de griekse wereld " and there it was that I read The Iliad as a story...like a beautiful, yet tragic story about the fall of Troy, which captivated me very much ;-)
I'm quite fond of the 1905 prose translation by Andrew Lang, Walter Leaf, and Ernest Myers published by Macmillan. A bit older language, but that's what I like.
I have a collection of the Penguin clothbound editions, and was wondering if I should buy the Iliad one (R. V. Rieu). Since it's modern, I can give it a try. Thanks a lot for this video!
Excellent video! Great survey, greatly expanding on our earlier discussion. I got the Fagles’ translation of both The Iliad and Odyssey from the library and greatly enjoyed them. I greatly enjoy Booktube videos like this covering many books (or parts of books) on a connected theme. You may it interesting to note that Samuel Butler had a theory that the Odyssey was written by a woman, which he expounded in “The Authoress of the Odyssey”. I am unconvinced. In fact, I know of no reliable evidence that “Homer” was a single author. Still, you might find Butler’s monograph amusing sometime. I also seem to remember from one of Steve Donoghue’s video that there was another 20th century woman who translated Homer, but I can’t recall who right now and can’t find the reference. I only remember it was someone surprising who is well known and it may not have been published.
Thank you so much ☺️ I had such an informative and fun discussion with you regarding the translations which made me research them more. I’m glad you found this video good. It’s always fun to learn new, fun stuff 🙌 Samuel Butlers theory about the Odyssey does sound like a theory but I would love to look it up more.
The Ennis Rees translation is another good one. It's written in verse and straightforward to read. This edition is avaliable in the Barnes & Noble Classics by Bruce N. King.
If you love pretty editions and are drawn to the Fagles translation, I would highly recommend Folio Society's Iliad and Odyssey. I have them and they are just stunning books, though of course a little pricey.
Lydgate Troy book - 15th century England. Very interesting as in medieval fashion updates everything to what the reader was familiar with eg they’re all in bascinets. It’s not exactly a translation but a retelling of what the author knew the story to be. The illustrations are also invaluable to the study of 15th century English armour.
I've been wanting to get into this, but am a bit overwhelmed by the many translations. For a first time reader, who also would like to have notes on the text and translation, which translation do you recommend? And is there one that is your preferred translation?
I haven’t read all the translations. I haven’t even finished one: I just wanted to share the research I did with others before I got into reading The Iliad.
@@Fortheloveofclassics I've decided on the Robert Fagles translation. It seemed to balance faithfulness to the text and making it accessible. I actually got the same edition as you (with the blue ribbon cover). Plus it came in a neat set with The Odyssey and The Aeneid. And there is also an audiobook version, which is always a plus, since I'm commuting a lot. Thank you for your video, it was invaluable in helping me choose!
Thanks, this is very helpful! I did the same “mistake” as you by getting the Collins Classic edition (to my defense the local bookshop didn’t have any other editions readily available) but I was immediately annoyed by the use of the Roman names for the gods, as I’m used to the Greek names. I’m just going to return it and order the Robert Fagles translation even if it takes a few weeks to arrive. You do recommend this edition you read, right?
Fitzgerald uses the old Greek names for the various Greek gods. It seems the others use Roman versions of the names. Like Fitzgerald uses Athena and Zeus but the Roman names and Jupiter and Minerva. It’s confusing to switch between the Greek and Roman names.
Now I really want to buy one of these but I'm not sure if it'll be worth it since they're all paperbacks and they're really expensive in my country. I do take care of all my books but when buying a physical copy I go for hardbacks
i just want one thats easy to understand but also doesn't cut out all the small detials, im guessing each translation has its strength and weaknesses it all depends on what the reader is looking for when their reading the illiad, im reading it for fun as a hobby read to familarize myself in greek myths because i enjoy those stories alot, i wouldn't nessarily lean to one that scholary thats meant to be studied for a class know what i mean?
I wanted the Fagles or Pope version and my parents bought me the Samuel Butler version for Christmas... it's very disappointing. The magic of the poem is totally lost in my opinion.
![Where to start with Ancient Greek literature according to an Ancient Historian [cc]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0eF1_lppHug/mqdefault.jpg)
I can confidently say that after reading five of these translations, that the one by E. V. Reiu is my favorite. While the one by W. H. D. Rouse felt like a quick read and was much plainer and easier to read, it removes a lot of the beautiful descriptions and poetry that makes the Iliad such a great read, and makes it seem like it's just a boring book about gods and fighting. It's called epic poetry for a reason. It's not supposed to be an easy read, and buying a translation just because its the easiest to read won't help you to gain a better understanding.
Wow! You’ve read 5 translations! That’s amazing 👏👏👏
I read his revised translation (D .C. H Rieu) but bought Fagles translation for the Iliad. Is the Odyssey also originally meant to be in verse like the Iliad?
@@Oodelally yes
My favorite so far is the Stephen Mitchell translation of “The Iliad”. I feel it really captures the warrior ethos, positive masculinity, and hip-hop like macho bravado of the original. His poetic meter has a flow that needs to really be heard or read aloud to appreciate it.
This is how I felt about a recent translation I got of 1,001 Nights. There was absolutely no music or rhythm to the prose--it felt like it was written for a 5-year old child (and yet had none of the lightness and excitement of a children's book either). Preserving beauty is important in translation.
My favorite so far is the Stephen Mitchell translation of “The Iliad”. I feel it really captures the warrior ethos, positive masculinity, and hip-hop like macho bravado of the original. His poetic meter has a flow that needs to really be heard or read aloud to appreciate it.
'Hip-hop'? Are you a colored person?
At least none of them depicts Pat and Achilles as cousins lmao
No, the movie did that, right?
@@Fortheloveofclassics
At lest the movie didn’t change race like the tv show did...
I feel like homer would have noted an Ethiopian with blonde hair.
There is a possibility there were cousins but that wouldn't have been a problem then. Also they weren't gay in the Iliad.
@@nutyyyy They were from completely different kingdooms, there was almost no way they were related by blood, but if you wanna talk possibilities, there was more than 70% chance they were lovers, not gay, but lovers
This is Ancient Greece man... everyone not ‘really’ gay but you know like it’s a long campaign and you gots a young lil apprentice and the nights are long...
Thank you for taking on this topic. I say that Pope's translation is magnificent, but it is not the place to start. If you are coming to the Iliad for the first time you are not ready for Pope. You need to understand the story really well, and you have to be enthusiastic about reading it again (and again). If you're new start with prose, then move to Fagles, then to Pope. Climb the ladder. Fagles is clear and modern, is widely available, and comes with an introduction by the scholar Bernard Knox. The exciting news is that Emily Wilson's translation is now available, and based on her translation of The Odyssey, will likely (in my mind) surpass Fagles, and maybe even Pope.
This is a great idea, Reesha! I had no idea there were so many editions. I read the Robert Fagles too and really enjoyed it but I have to say, the Alexander Pope one does sound beautiful, if harder to understand 😂
Yes, it sounds so cool but can be difficult to understand 😂
That's because it's written in the heroic couplet, a staple choice for Pope. He loved to use this, especially since it also allowed him to write in iambic pentameter. Read 'The Rape of the Lock' to see the full capacity of the heroic couplet. But translating the Iliad by using this form is not a good idea.
I actually think the Alexander pope is a really good one for many reasons. It IS poetic, unlike the others which tend to have narrative form. It IS rhythmic. And it is very well translated. But each one of us has their own opinions 😊
I love how rhythmic and poetic the Pope translation is.
Pope is the OG. The Big Dawg. But most ppl aren’t gangster enough to read it (including me)
@@johnchao2422a Non native English speaker will have a tough time with it. I like it though
I was really confused and couldn't decide which one to buy this was extremely helpful thanks :)
Glad to help 🙌
Robert fagles is my favorite translator but i hear that emily wilson the professor who translated the odyssey in 2017(which was great by the way) is translating the iliad and I'm really excited to read her take on it.
Awesome 👏✨
You seem very down to earth and you've created an informative and condensed video on this topic, super impressive. Thank you!
Thank you so much ☺️
Great video. Im reading the Stephen Mitchell translation currently. Very easy to read to my surprise. I have never read the Iliad before. I picked up his translation of the Odyssey too. Ive recently got the urge to read up on as many classics as I can. So, I will be coming to your channel a lot. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much ☺️
Hope you’re enjoying it!
Thank you for this great overview! You put so much work and research into this.
I have the Robert Fagles translation on my wishlist for Christmas. I might check out Caroline Alexander as well though. Fagles defiantly has the most beautiful edition though :D
Thank you so much ☺️
It did take a lot of research.
Read passages from the translations before picking one. All the best 📖
I have been SEARCHING for this video for AGES!!! Thank you so much!
Your welcome 💕🙌
WOW! A TH-cam video that actually answered my question! Great job Reesha! Thank you!😀😀
Glad it was helpful!
I picked up the Robert Fagles translation on a whim and quickly fell into a deep hole researching greek mythology and history to help me understand all these references. thanks for going through all these editions and feeding into my research addiction! 😂
While I like how easy this translation is to read, I feel like I'm missing out on the more beautiful, song-like translations. I might try one of these!
By the way, are you going to film a review? It would be great to hear your thoughts as I go through it.
I actually started researching about all the translations (Hence the video) and about Greek mythology after I got into the Iliad. I definitely plan on filming a review for the book, as soon as I finish reading it! I know, I know, I should have finished the book by now. Life happened and I stopped the book in the middle, I plan on reading it as soon as I can.
Good summary and very good advice. I too had trouble finding a translation that suited my style of reading and also found Pope’s translation the best for what I wanted. Partly because as I am older (and graduated before American school systems decided that students didn’t need to know English, Maths or the History of the country they live in).
And, you are also right, Pope's verse flows better and that also enhances the readability of the story.
Thank you for you time and insight.
Glad it was helpful!
I wish I came by such a video when I was about to read the Iliad. So helpful.
The one I ended up reading was Martin Hammond’s, for no particular reason. I agree that it’s accessible and it’s quite good.
I read E.V. Rieu’s translation of the Odyssey, and I enjoyed it a lot.
In my rereads I’ll try a verse edition, and I’ll be going back to this video to make the final decision.
Interesting 🙌
I’m glad it’s going to be out there for anyone confused about the translations for the Iliad.
Thank you ☺️
Thank you! This was so helpful. I'm currently reading the Penguin Deluxe - Fagles as well which is gorgeous. But Pope's translation sounds beautiful. I might get those after.
I’m glad you found this helpful 🙌
Happy reading 📖
This video was so helpful! I recently purchased the Robert Fagles translation and I’m so excited to read it! Thank you for this recommendation :)
Glad it was helpful!
This is really helpful! Thank you for this video! I want to read the Illiad at some point too and choosing a good translation is definitely a struggle. I think I'll get a prose one. Prose is easier for me to read
Awesome!
I’m so glad this was helpful 🙌
i read nearly all these mentioned. alexander pope's homer is the most fun, its very difficult but when you get it its really beautiful, worth the effort, his odyssey is even better, whd rouse is my favourite simple version of the iliad. steven mitchel is brilliant! the best audible audiobook illiad is reiu
Thanks for sharing!!
Hello Reesha Didi! This was a very informative video. Your detailed explanation was very helpful for someone like me, who haven't read Iliad by Homer yet.
I would love to read the Fagles's translation as it is a very famous one. But...currently I don't think that I would read this book. Iliad is a difficult book to understand, but I think I should challenge reading it someday. And you are always there to help your viewers out!😘
Love 💘 you
Stay safe and Happy Reading 📚
Thank you so much ☺️
Yes! Take your time with the classics. Read whichever one you’re in the mood for.
Hope this video is helpful whenever you feel like reading The Iliad.
Good survey! Here is a list of the versions I have read. Now, I know that purists will disagree, but E.V. Rieu's translation of 1950 made the Iliad accessible to students (like myself) in secondary school. I'm told that Samuel Butler's translation of around 1900 (Barnes and Noble) is similarly readable. I have also read long selections from Richmond Lattimore (1951). After you have read Rieu or Butler, Lattimore is richly rewarding in its archaism and fidelity to the original. And finally, Fagles is a tremendous poetic rendering of this in many ways tragic story. But for students, I would go with Rieu or Butler.
I was searching for prose translation. This video is Really helpful one. So i ordered Samuel Butler's prose edition as Im literally a beginner. Thank you so much 🙏✨
God bless you ✨
I bought the samuel butler translation as well, i bought it today at a book fair, is it good?
Glad it was helpful!
I agree with your assessment of the Fagles translation. Pope's translation is also written in the same poetic meter as Homer's : dactylic hexameter! No small accomplishment.
Well done. I first read the Iliad 60 years ago and is one of the books I read every year. You're piece is great because so many people start the book and gets lost in the language or just find it tedious and stop. The only thing I would add is that I would avoid any translation which uses Roman gods. I have never understood that. Thank you and I will be looking forward to your next video.
Thank you so much! I agree, they are so confusing when they use the names of roman gods!
Oh my. So many considerations. Research truly is important. I read it in elementary school. It was probably a translation rich in the story and not the verse. I think I will get yours. If I can remember the blue title I'll be going well.
Im glad i found this vlog ive been planning to read illiad and odyssey but i cant decide which the best translation. Thank you so much!
Edit: im gonna get from the penguin deluxe with a map inside. Lol. Thank you again!
Your welcome. All the best 👍🏽
Beautiful, well-read, intelligent and excellent content. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much!
As helpful, articulate and insightful as ever. Thank you :-)
Thank you so much ☺️
Hey I got the Samuel Butler edition.....liking it so far
Awesome!
Thank you Reesha! I just finished reading the odyssey, translated by E. V. Rieu and were looking for a comparison of the english Illiad translations. Your video gave me a wonderful insight into the various translations available. Greetings from Austria
Glad it was helpful!
I just wanted to say thank you for making this amazing video. It's been a huge help with choosing the right one for me
Glad I could help!
Thanks for talking about my favorite Rouse translation.
👍
If you want to read Greek tragedies, Lattimore’s translations are the best. I highly recommend these after The Iliad. Also, The Great Courses has fantastic audio courses on all of these texts.
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve read the Iliad in Greek and many translations but I still think Lattamore is the best. To me it seems the closest to the Greek. It has the right cadence.
This was awesome. I hope this becomes a series !
Thank you so much ☺️
That’s a wonderful idea 💡
I like the Rodney Merrill translation. He uses the original meter, dactylic hexameter, which has a hypnotic rhythm that I love. "Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus, / Ruinous rage which brought the Achaians uncounted afflictions"
Thanks for your video. I just noticed how old the video is. I recommend Emily Wilson’s translation of Iliad and the Odyssey. thanks again.
Yes, it’s been up for a while now
I read Lattimore and own Fitzgerald. Will be expanding on some newer versions soon!
As a common reader just for fun and a story teller for my children, I 'd like to read graphic book, such as of Gareth Hinds, also an impressive one, still keeping the original feeling of the classical book, while extracting the most fantastic scenes put to you.
That sounds fun!
Awesome, thanks for taking the time to create this video. Appreciate it.
My pleasure!
An important thing to remember, which I'm sure you've already come across, is that the Iliad is a deconstruction of the idea that war is glorious.
I hear about that a lot but now that I’m reading The Iliad, I can see how that is working out.
@@Fortheloveofclassics perhaps you'll tell us your thoughts on it.
Yes and no, it explores the whole spectrum of war, the bravery, glory, the carnage, the rage and senseless death and the sorrow.
We may see it that way, but it's important to remember that the Greeks held martial courage as one of the highest virtues and many of the greatest figures in antiquity fashioned themselves after Achilles.
I've read passages from several English translations, and they just didn't come together. English doesn't handle hexameter too well, it's a wayward language when it comes to poetry. My all-time favorite is the translation into Russian by Gnedich. It's another level: it pumps electricity through your blood from beginning to end
Thank you. I am fascinated by this. I know some of the Russian translators were really first rate. One of my primary regrets was leaving on the shelf a Russian translation of "Leaves of Grass," by Walt Whitman when I saw it in a used book store. I have some ability to read Russian, and am fussy about English translations of Russian Literature.
Emily Wilson has just done a new translation. Its meant to be very good. And its supposed to be far less sexist than the other translations and more faithful to the original. I definitely want to read it.
Yes, I heard
We need to place ourselves in the era of bronze age living. The more poetic and rythmic, then the more enchanting to an audience gathered round a fire or small venue with stage.
That would be so lovely
So helpful!! Thanks for the summary~
Mashallah. Nice. Have you reviewed the Dr Emily Watson translation yet ?
I can definitely recommend the Robert Fagles translation. I cannot say with the Iliad but I’ve read his version of the Odyssey (for uni in 2010) and I really enjoyed it. It was poetic without a forced rhyme - I found it had a nice rhythm. I’ve compared some of the other more recent translations of the Odyssey (the first few paragraphs) and I still find Fagles the most accessible all these years later.
Awesome! I’ve got the Odyssey in the Fagles translation as well. Good to know 👏
I love the Fitzgerald translation read out as audiobook by George Guidall.
Noted 📝
Do you have recommendation for Odyssey too?
I’m thinking of getting Emily Wilson’s translation.
I do plan on making a video about that.
Buyer beware of Wilson translation.
@@chrisgeroch4927 why
@@angel79nunn because it's a translation that doesn't necessarily correspond to the original greek text and wants to be trendy with an agenda
@@chrisgeroch4927 oh right. I was going to get it, but if there is a better translation of the book you know, do you care to share it?
I read the WHD Rouse prose edition then Peter Green's translation and just finished Lattimore's. Lattimore seemed to cut the lengths of the verses down a bit so they didn't dangle as much as some of the others. I haven't read Fagles' yet but if it is as good as his Odyssey and Aeneid, then it's definitely on my TBR list. Caroline Alexander's "The War That Killed Achilles" is a good companion book after you've read the Iliad.
I think this was a very fun video but I have some issues with the terms 'worst', 'bad', 'good', 'best'. If one translation suits one better than another, that does not make that other a bad translation. Every translator puts their own personal touch to it or it could be written in another time period. Their intention and their goal audience may differ (like for someone who wants to enjoy the story or someone who studies ancient greek and has to consult a premade translation for some help). If it's published by such press-companies, they will certainly not publish a bad one (that is translated in such a way that it alters the story or intentionally leave parts out). Everyone has their own personal taste and just has to find the right fit for them. But all this criticism aside, I really like your videos, keep up the good work! ps: i hope you will read The Perfume by Patrick Suskind hihi
I do understand what you mean: and that’s why I didn’t say any of the translation is the best or the worst. I haven’t read them all to be a judge of that and you’re right : no one can say for sure what’s the best one out there. It’s a very objective choice.
But thank you for sharing your feedback 💕
Thanks, also listening to the Iliad is awesome too!
Yeah, that would be fun.
I read the iliad in verse form, and it was somewhat difficult to follow, but afterwards I read the dutch book " Mythen en sagen van de griekse wereld " and there it was that I read The Iliad as a story...like a beautiful, yet tragic story about the fall of Troy, which captivated me very much ;-)
Intersting.
I'm quite fond of the 1905 prose translation by Andrew Lang, Walter Leaf, and Ernest Myers published by Macmillan. A bit older language, but that's what I like.
Look at those eyes! ❤
I have a collection of the Penguin clothbound editions, and was wondering if I should buy the Iliad one (R. V. Rieu). Since it's modern, I can give it a try. Thanks a lot for this video!
Thank you 😊
Excellent video!
Great survey, greatly expanding on our earlier discussion. I got the Fagles’ translation of both The Iliad and Odyssey from the library and greatly enjoyed them.
I greatly enjoy Booktube videos like this covering many books (or parts of books) on a connected theme.
You may it interesting to note that Samuel Butler had a theory that the Odyssey was written by a woman, which he expounded in “The Authoress of the Odyssey”. I am unconvinced. In fact, I know of no reliable evidence that “Homer” was a single author. Still, you might find Butler’s monograph amusing sometime.
I also seem to remember from one of Steve Donoghue’s video that there was another 20th century woman who translated Homer, but I can’t recall who right now and can’t find the reference. I only remember it was someone surprising who is well known and it may not have been published.
I was confused on the last point: I was thinking of Dorothy L. Sayers translation of Dante.
Thank you so much ☺️
I had such an informative and fun discussion with you regarding the translations which made me research them more.
I’m glad you found this video good.
It’s always fun to learn new, fun stuff 🙌
Samuel Butlers theory about the Odyssey does sound like a theory but I would love to look it up more.
@@Fortheloveofclassics Butler's monograph is available on Project Gutenberg, eBook #49324.
Barry Cunningham I will check it out, thank you 🙌
The Ennis Rees translation is another good one. It's written in verse and straightforward to read. This edition is avaliable in the Barnes & Noble Classics by Bruce N. King.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing
The older translations sound elegant, and are easy to understand.
Thanks so much, was tossing up between Fables and a few others and this convinced me
Glad I could help!
@@Fortheloveofclassics I finished it yesterday!
@@MegaAngryspoon Amazing!!!
Thanks for this information! It’s so helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank god and thank you. Coz I'm searching something like this before reading “Songs of Achilles"! 🙏✨💙
Which is the best?
Butler is a very good transition despite no notes. They were left out.
Greek & roman translations are floating around.
I can’t read in Greek or Roman. I only talked about the English translations.
If you love pretty editions and are drawn to the Fagles translation, I would highly recommend Folio Society's Iliad and Odyssey. I have them and they are just stunning books, though of course a little pricey.
Ooh I would go check them out
, thanks!
I first read it in Greek back in college (when dinosaurs walked) but I still like Lattamore’s version.
Lydgate Troy book - 15th century England. Very interesting as in medieval fashion updates everything to what the reader was familiar with eg they’re all in bascinets. It’s not exactly a translation but a retelling of what the author knew the story to be. The illustrations are also invaluable to the study of 15th century English armour.
Thank you for suggesting
Such a great video to help people on their first read!
Thank you so much ☺️
I was planning to buy Collins Classic editions of both Homer's Iliad and Odyssey Is it really difficult to understand ?
I wouldn't suggest the Collins Classics editions. The notes are missing.
@@Fortheloveofclassics Got It Thanks for that info
I've been wanting to get into this, but am a bit overwhelmed by the many translations. For a first time reader, who also would like to have notes on the text and translation, which translation do you recommend? And is there one that is your preferred translation?
I haven’t read all the translations. I haven’t even finished one: I just wanted to share the research I did with others before I got into reading The Iliad.
@@Fortheloveofclassics I've decided on the Robert Fagles translation. It seemed to balance faithfulness to the text and making it accessible. I actually got the same edition as you (with the blue ribbon cover). Plus it came in a neat set with The Odyssey and The Aeneid. And there is also an audiobook version, which is always a plus, since I'm commuting a lot. Thank you for your video, it was invaluable in helping me choose!
"Rage!" Fagles remains undefeated because I feel mad right at the start. Im with Achilles from the start and i havent even me the guy lol
Quite thorough. Nicely done.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing this video. The Iliad is one of my brother's favorite books and we'll be reading it for our channel also.
Awesome 👏
Your welcome.
Robert Fitzgerald is the absolute best!
Thanks, this is very helpful! I did the same “mistake” as you by getting the Collins Classic edition (to my defense the local bookshop didn’t have any other editions readily available) but I was immediately annoyed by the use of the Roman names for the gods, as I’m used to the Greek names. I’m just going to return it and order the Robert Fagles translation even if it takes a few weeks to arrive. You do recommend this edition you read, right?
Yes
Can’t wait for Mary Wilson’s translation! Probably won’t be out for a few more year though, unfortunately.
Awesome! Another one is coming?
For the love of Classics After the Odyssey she said she was tackling the Iliad. Her version of the Odyssey is phenomenal so I’m so excited!
By Mary Wilson do you mean Emily Wilson? I wasn’t sure if it was a typo lol
Many thanks !
Your welcome
Assalamualaikum. Could you advise a trustable online bookstore for ordering modern novels in Arabic. Thanks.
Walaikum Salam. I know of Kinokuniya which is a reliable store selling Arabic books
@@Fortheloveofclassics oh, thank you. Peace!
Do you speak Hindi? It seems like you have that accent. Great video!
Thank you 😊 I speak Urdu but can understand Hindi
Fitzgerald uses the old Greek names for the various Greek gods. It seems the others use Roman versions of the names. Like Fitzgerald uses Athena and Zeus but the Roman names and Jupiter and Minerva. It’s confusing to switch between the Greek and Roman names.
very interesting video! i'm a big fan of robert fagles and e.v. rieu's translation myself
Thank you so much 😊
Thanks! I've ordered the Anthony Verity translation.
Happy reading 📖
This was really helpful thank you so much!!
Your welcome 😊
I loved the Fitzgerald translation (published by Oxford).
👍
Now I really want to buy one of these but I'm not sure if it'll be worth it since they're all paperbacks and they're really expensive in my country. I do take care of all my books but when buying a physical copy I go for hardbacks
You've got some decisions to make :D
This was super helpful!
I'm so glad!
I bought the samuel butler translation today, is it good?
what do y’all think is the most ACCURATE translation of the Iliad? (in verse)
Thanks for sharing your research.
My pleasure!
The one by Peter green has notes in it?
Thank you! This is super helpful
Your welcome 🙌
Non related, you are gorgeous! 😊❤
Oh thank you!
I loved Lattimore’s translation, enjoyed it more than Fagles or Rouse.
👍
Lattimore’s has always been seen as the best one.
Fitzgerald for The Odyssey.
I want to read Fagles’s translations.
i just want one thats easy to understand but also doesn't cut out all the small detials, im guessing each translation has its strength and weaknesses it all depends on what the reader is looking for when their reading the illiad, im reading it for fun as a hobby read to familarize myself in greek myths because i enjoy those stories alot, i wouldn't nessarily lean to one that scholary thats meant to be studied for a class know what i mean?
Agreed.
Thank you so much.
Does the Collins classics have notes?
No, they don’t.
I wanted the Fagles or Pope version and my parents bought me the Samuel Butler version for Christmas... it's very disappointing. The magic of the poem is totally lost in my opinion.
In which book th notes is available?
This is super useful thx
Glad it helped
Wonderful