What is the best English translation of the Iliad?

The Fagles translation is far and away the best English translation, in my opinion. The rhythm and flow of his free verse is impeccable. That said, I encourage people to check out my own ongoing translation, in which I am attempting to reproduce the original meter of the Greek.

What does the Iliad translate to?

A famous ancient Greek epic poem about the Trojan War, attributed to Homer. Etymology: From Ἰλιάς, the poem about Ἴλιον, an alternate name for Troy. Any long tragic story.

For whom is Achilles mourning in Book 18?

In Book 18 of The Iliad, Achilles learns of the death of his dear friend Patroclus. He is stricken with grief and he vows revenge on Hector. Achilles’ mother, Thetis, who is a goddess, promises to get Achilles new armor from Hephaistos so he can enter battle the next day.

How many translations of the Iliad are there?

Over 200 translations of the Iliad have been published at one time or another.

Why is it called the Iliad?

Homer’s Iliad is usually thought of as the first work of European literature, and many would say, the greatest. It tells part of the saga of the city of Troy and the war that took place there. In fact the Iliad takes its name from “Ilios”, an ancient Greek word for “Troy”, situated in what is Turkey today.

Is Iliad a word?

(italics) a Greek epic poem describing the siege of Troy, ascribed to Homer. (sometimes lowercase) any similar poem; a long narrative.

Who stole Achilles armor?

Hector
Ultimately, Patroclus is killed in battle by Hector, and Achilles’ armor is stripped from his body and taken by Hector as spoils.

Is Iliad easy to read?

For the first-time reader, probably the hardest thing about Homer’s Iliad is its language. And once you get past the weird cultural details (reading the introduction to your edition will help), the poem is extremely accessible. The characters are vivid, and every reader will find someone to identify with.

Is there an English translation of the Iliad?

Homer. The Iliad with an English Translation by A.T. Murray, Ph.D. in two volumes. Cambridge, MA., Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann, Ltd. 1924. The Annenberg CPB/Project provided support for entering this text.

When did Homer write the book The Iliad?

Each Book is arranged in paragraphs, with each paragraph headed by the corresponding line reference in the Greek text. The Iliad, a major founding work of European literature, is usually dated to around the 8th century BC, and attributed to Homer.

What did Homer say to the Achaeans in the Iliad?

Him he found in front of his ships with upright horns, boding in his heart the thing that even now was brought to pass; and sore troubled he spake unto his own great-hearted spirit: “Ah, woe is me, how is it that again the long-haired Achaeans are being driven toward the ships in rout over the plain?

Who is the Swift of Foot in the Iliad?

[1] So fought they like unto blazing fire, but Antilochus, swift of foot, came to bear tidings to Achilles.