Most of my book lists involve lots of women’s lit, but you might have noticed a few heroic epics or books that tip their hat to Homer (The Bard—not Simpson.)  Well rounded, yes?  The Homeric epics (The Iliad and The Odyssey) are in my top ten favorites.  It’s a crowded, exclusive list, but they both deserve their place there.

I was beyond excited to see there’s a new translation of The Iliad out thanks to Stephen Mitchell.  Powell’s books had a short snippet of it on their site and I was immediately transfixed—the language was fluid and powerful, absolutely gorgeous!  I preordered a signed edition of the book and anxiously waited.  I have since received the book, but I’m withholding the pleasure of reading it until after my Chemistry final.  It will be a post-final treat.  I cannot begin to express how I yearn— yearn!!—to devour this book.

A friend asked me about my enthusiasm and looked at me a little crazy when I tried to explain.  I was an English & History double major in college and we read plenty of Homer.  Each translation has a different voice, a different feel.  Each is literally transformative.

My first introduction to The Iliad was thru the voice (translation) of Richmond Lattimore:

“Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus’ son Achilleus                                                                                                                                                                            And its devastation, which put pains thousandfold upon the Achaians,                                                                                                                           Hurled in their multitudes to the house of Hades strong souls                                                                                                                                                       Of heroes, but gave their bodies to be the delicate feasting                                                                                                                                                             Of dogs, of all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished                                                                                                                                                      Since that time when first their stood in division of conflict                                                                                                                                                Atreus’ son the lord of men and brilliant Achilleus.”

There’s some power and passion there, but a little removed—we don’t know the players and it’s up to the reader to want to know.  There’s a layer or two between the text and the audience.

I was later told that I would find Robert Fitzgerald more lyrical.  The English major in me thrived after this taste (exact same passage as above):

“Anger be now your song, immortal one,                                                                                                                                                                                   Akhilleus anger, doomed and ruinous,                                                                                                                                                                                                 That caused the Akhaians loss on bitter loss                                                                                                                                                                                       And crowded brave souls in the undergloom,                                                                                                                                                                             Leaving so many dead men—carrion                                                                                                                                                                                                       For dogs and birds; and the will of Zeus was done.                                                                                                                                                                       Begin it when the two men first contending broke with one another—the Lord Marshall                                                                           Agamemnon, Atreus’ son, and Prince Akhilleus.”

Yes!  This is more lyrical, it does read more easily and beautifully.  It’s like a song, a story told across a round table, over pint or by a roaring fire.  It’s a return to the oral tradition.  It feels right.

But Mitchell has taken it even further.  It’s now lush, immediate, in modern & natural language and gripping the audience:

“The rage of Achilles—sing it now, goddess, sign through me                                                                                                                                                    The deadly rage that caused the Achaeans such grief                                                                                                                                                                    And hurled down to Hades the souls of so many fighters,                                                                                                                                                           Leaving their naked flesh to be eaten by dogs                                                                                                                                                                                   And carrion birds, as the will of Zeus was accomplished.                                                                                                                                                          Begin at the time when bitter words first divided                                                                                                                                                                           That king of men, Agamemnon, and godlike Achilles.”

There is no remove; we aren’t left to question what’s happening. Homer’s characteristic human emotion and drama absolutely shines.  The story takes center stage and it’s breath taking.

Yes, I’m geeking out.  No apologies.  I hope Mitchell will tackle The Odyssey next.

Now, if I can just get thru the next 2 weeks until I finish my Chem exam.  Someone may have to hide my copy of Mitchell’s translation; I don’t know if I can withstand its siren song….