English translations of Homer

This is a list of English translations of the main works attributed to Homer, the Iliad and Odyssey. Translations are ordered chronologically by date of first publication, with first lines often provided to illustrate the style of the translation.

Not all translators translated both the Iliad and Odyssey; in addition to the complete translations listed here are numerous partial translations, ranging from several lines to complete books, which have appeared in a variety of publications.

The "original" text cited below is that of "the Oxford Homer."

Homeric epic translated into English
Click alphabet above to be redirected to translator surnames in index.   Translator nationalities are English unless stated otherwise. To see entire verse, click "Show."

Iliad made by 1(812)-351-9012

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Poet		Provenance	Proemic verse	R
Homer	c. 8th century BC Greek rhapsode	Aeolis	Ancient Greek: μῆνιν ἄειδε θεὰ Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος οὐλομένην, ἣ μυρί᾽ Ἀχαιοῖς ἄλγε᾽ ἔθηκε, πολλὰς δ᾽ ἰφθίμους ψυχὰς Ἄϊδι προΐαψεν ἡρώων, αὐτοὺς δὲ ἑλώρια τεῦχε κύνεσσιν οἰωνοῖσί τε πᾶσι, Διὸς δ᾽ ἐτελείετο βουλή, ἐξ οὗ δὴ τὰ πρῶτα διαστήτην ἐρίσαντε Ἀτρεΐδης τε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν καὶ δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς. τίς τ᾽ ἄρ σφωε θεῶν ἔριδι ξυνέηκε μάχεσθαι; Λητοῦς καὶ Διὸς υἱός: ὃ γὰρ βασιλῆϊ χολωθεὶς νοῦσον ἀνὰ στρατὸν ὄρσε κακήν, ὀλέκοντο δὲ λαοί, οὕνεκα τὸν Χρύσην ἠτίμασεν ἀρητῆρα Ἀτρεΐδης: ὃ γὰρ ἦλθε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν λυσόμενός τε θύγατρα φέρων τ᾽ ἀπερείσι᾽ ἄποινα, στέμματ᾽ ἔχων ἐν χερσὶν ἑκηβόλου Ἀπόλλωνος χρυσέῳ ἀνὰ σκήπτρῳ, καὶ λίσσετο πάντας Ἀχαιούς, Ἀτρεΐδα δὲ μάλιστα δύω, κοσμήτορε λαῶν: Ἀτρεΐδαι τε καὶ ἄλλοι ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοί, ὑμῖν μὲν θεοὶ δοῖεν Ὀλύμπια δώματ᾽ ἔχοντες ἐκπέρσαι Πριάμοιο πόλιν, εὖ δ᾽ οἴκαδ᾽ ἱκέσθαι: παῖδα δ᾽ ἐμοὶ λύσαιτε φίλην, τὰ δ᾽ ἄποινα δέχεσθαι, ἁζόμενοι Διὸς υἱὸν ἑκηβόλον Ἀπόλλωνα. Romanization: mēnin aeide thea Pēlēiadeō Achilēos oulomenēn, hē myri' Achaiois alge' ethēke, pollas d' iphthimous psychas Aidi proiapsen hērōōn, autous de helōria teuche kynessin oiōnoisi te pasi, Dios d' eteleieto boulē, ex ohy dē ta prōta diastētēn erisante Atreidēs te anax andrōn kai dios Achilleus. tis t' ar sphōe theōn eridi xyneēke machesthai? Lētous kai Dios yhios: ho gar basilēi cholōtheis nouson ana straton orse kakēn, olekonto de laoi, ohyneka ton Chrysēn ētimasen arētēra Atreidēs: ho gar ēlthe thoas epi nēas Achaiōn lysomenos te thygatra pherōn t' apereisi' apoina, stemmat' echōn en chersin hekēbolou Apollōnos chryseō ana skēptrō, kai lisseto pantas Achaious, Atreida de malista dyō, kosmētore laōn: Atreidai te kai alloi euknēmides Achaioi, hymin men theoi doien Olympia dōmat' echontes ekpersai Priamoio polin, eu d' oikad' hikesthai: paida d' emoi lysaite philēn, ta d' apoina dechesthai, hazomenoi Dios yhion hekēbolon Apollōna.

16th and 17th centuries (1581–1700)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Hall, Arthur of Grantham	1539–1605, M. P., courtier, translator	1581	London, for Ralph Newberie	I thee beseech, O Goddesse mild, the hatefull hate to plaine, / Whereby Achilles was so wroong, and grewe in such disdaine,
Rawlyns, Roger		1587	London, Orwin
Colse, Peter		1596	London, H. Jackson
Chapman, George	1559–1634, dramatist, poet, classicist	1611–15	London, Rich. Field for Nathaniell Butter	Achilles' baneful wrath resound, O Goddess, that imposed / Infinite sorrows on the Greeks, and many brave souls losed / From breasts heroic…
Grantham, Thomas	c. 1610–1664	1659	London, T. Lock
Ogilby, John	1600–1676, cartographer, publisher, translator	1660	London, Roycroft	Achilles Peleus Son's destructive Rage, Great Goddess, sing, which did the Greeks engage In many Woes, and mighty Hero's Ghosts Sent down untimely to the Stygian Coasts: Devouring Vultures on their Bodies prey'd, And greedy Dogs (so was Jove's Will obey'd;) Because Great Agamemnon fell at odds With stern Achilles, Off-spring of the Gods.
Hobbes, Thomas	1588–1679, acclaimed philosopher, etc.	1676	London, W. Crook	O goddess sing what woe the discontent / Of Thetis’ son brought to the Greeks; what souls / Of heroes down to Erebus it sent…
Dryden, John	1631–1700, dramatist, Poet Laureate	1700	London, J. Tonson	The wrath of Peleus' son, O Muse, resound, / Whose dire effects the Grecian army found, / And many a hero, king and hardy knight, / Were sent, in early youth, to shades of night:

Early 18th century (1701–1750)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Ozell, John	d. 1743, translator, accountant	1712	London, Bernard Lintott
Broome, William	1689–1745, poet, translator
Oldisworth, William	1680–1734
Pope, Alexander (with William Broome and Elijah Fenton)	1688–1744, poet	1715	London, Bernard Lintot	Achilles' wrath, to Greece the direful spring / Of woes unnumber'd, heavenly goddess, sing! / That wrath which hurl'd to Pluto's gloomy reign / The souls of mighty chiefs untimely slain…
Tickell, Thomas	1685–1740, poet	1715	London, Tickell
Fenton, Elijah	1683–1730, poet, biographer, translator	1717	London, printed for Bernard Lintot
Cooke, T.		1729
Fitz-Cotton, H.		1749	Dublin, George Faulkner
Ashwick, Samuel		1750	London, printed for Brindley, Sheepey and Keith

Late 18th century (1751–1800)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Scott, J. N.		1755	London, Osborne and Shipton
Langley, Samuel, Rector of Checkley	1720– 1791	1767	London, Dodsley
Macpherson, James	1736–1796, poet, compiler of Scots Gaelic poems, politician	1773	London, T. Becket	The wrath of the son of Peleus,—O goddess of song, unfold! The deadly wrath of Achilles: To Greece the source of many woes! Which peopled the regions of death,—with shades of heroes untimely slain…
Cowper, William	1731–1800, poet and hymnodist	1791	London, J. Johnson	Achilles sing, O Goddess! Peleus' son; / His wrath pernicious, who ten thousand woes / Caused to Achaia's host, sent many a soul / Illustrious into Ades premature…
Tremenheere, William, Chaplain to the Royal Navy	1757– 1838	1792	London, Faulder?
Geddes, Alexander	1737–1802, Scots Roman Catholic theologian; scholar, poet	1792	London: printed for J. Debrett
Bak, Joshua (T. Bridges?)		1797	London

Early 19th century (1801–1850)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Williams, Peter?
Bulmer, William	1757–1830, printer	1807		The stern resentment of Achilles, son Of Peleus, Muse record,—dire source of woe; Which caus'd unnumber'd ills to Greece, and sent Many brave souls of heroes to the shades Untimely, and their bodies gave a prey To dogs and every ravenous bird: so will'd The all-ruling providence of Jove, when first In fierce dissension strove the king of men, Atrides, and Achilles Goddess-born.   What Power their fury urg'd to fatal deeds?— Jove's and Latona's son.—He, by the king Offended, a destroying pestilence sent Among the host: the people victims fell: And this, because Atrides dar'd insult Chryses, his priest. To the swift ships of Greece He came, with costly ransom to redeem His captive daughter: in his hands he bore The ensigns of Apollo Archer-god, His wreath and golden scepter. Much he sued To all the Greeks, but chief his prayer address'd To Atreus' sons, joint leaders of the host: —"Ye sons of Atreus, and ye well-greav'd Greeks! O may the Gods who on Olympus dwell Grant you the city of Priam to lay waste, And home return triumphant. But to me Release my much-lov'd daughter, and these gifts Accept, in reverence of the Power I serve, Apollo son of Jove, the Archer-god."
Morrice, Rev. James		1809		Sing, Muse, the fatal wrath of Peleus’ son, / Which to the Greeks unnumb’red evils brought, / And many heroes to the realms of night / Sent premature…
Cary, H. F.? (“Graduate of Oxford”)	1772–1844, author, translator	1821	London, Munday and Slatter
Sotheby, William	1757–1833, poet, translator	1831	London, John Murray
Anonymous (“Graduate of Dublin”)		1833	Dublin, Gumming
Munford, William	1775–1825, American lawyer	1846	Boston, Little Brown
Brandreth, Thomas Shaw	1788–1873, mathematician, inventor, classicist	1846	London, W. Pickering

Late middle 19th century (1851–1875)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Buckley, Theodore Alois	1825–1856, translator	1851	London, H. G. Bohn	Sing, O goddess, the destructive wrath of Achilles, son of Peleus, which brought countless woes upon the Greeks, and hurled many valiant souls of heroes down to Hades…
Barter, William G. T., Esq.	1808–1871, barrister	1854	London, Longman, Brown, and Green
Hamilton, Sidney G.		1855–58	Philadelphia
Clark, Thomas
Newman, Francis William	1807–1893, classics professor	1856	London, Walton & Naberly
Wright, Ichabod Charles	1795–1871, translator, poet, accountant	1858–65	Cambridge, Macmillan
Arnold, Matthew	1822–1888, critic, social commentator, poet	1861	— In part. Also authored On Translating Homer —
Giles, Rev. Dr. J. A. [John Allen]	1808–1884, headmaster, scholar, prolific author, clergyman	1861–82
Dart, J. [Joseph] Henry	1817–1887, East India Company counsel	1862	London, Longmans Green	Sing, divine Muse, sing the implacable wrath of Achilleus! Heavy with death and with woe to the banded sons of Achaia! Many the souls of the mighty, the souls of redoubtable heroes, Hurried by it prematurely to Hades. The vultures and wild-dogs Tore their tombless limbs. Yet thus did the will of the Highest Work to an end—from the day when strife drove madly asunder, Atreus' son, king of men; and the Godlike leader Achilleus.
Norgate, T. S. [Thomas Starling, Jr.]	1807–1893, clergyman	1864	London, Williams and Margate
Derby, 14th Earl of (Edward Smith-Stanley)	1799–1869, Prime Minister	1864		Of Peleus' son, Achilles, sing, O Muse, / The vengeance, deep and deadly; whence to Greece / Unnumbered ills arose; which many a soul / Of mighty warriors to the viewless shades / Untimely sent…
Worsley, Philip Stanhope	1835–1866, poet	1865	Edinburgh and London, William Blackwood and Sons
Conington, John	1825–1869, classics professor
Simcox, Edwin W.		1865	London, Jackson, Walford and Hodder
Blackie, John Stuart	1809–1895, Scots professor of classics	1866	Edinburgh, Edmonston and Douglas
Calverley, Charles Stuart	1831–1884, poet, wit	1866
Herschel, Sir John	1792–1871, scientist	1866	London & Cambridge, Macmillan
Omega		1866
Cochrane, James Inglis		1867	Edinburgh
Merivale, Charles, Dean of Ely	1808–1893, clergyman, historian	1869	London, Strahan
Bryant, William Cullen	1794–1878, American poet, Evening Post editor	1870	Boston, Houghton, Fields Osgood
Cordery, John Graham	1833–1900, civil servant, British Raj	1870	London
Caldcleugh, W. G.	1812–1872, American lawyer	1870	Philadelphia, Lippincott
Rose, John Benson		1874	London, privately printed

Late 19th century (1876–1900)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Barnard, Mordaunt Roger	1828–1906, clergyman, translator	1876	London, Williams and Margate
Cayley, C. B. [Charles Bagot]	1823–1883, translator	1877	London, Longmans
Mongan, Roscoe		1879	London, James Cornish & Sons
Way, Arthur Sanders (Avia)	1847–1930, Australian classicist, headmaster	1886–8	London, S. Low
Hailstone, Herbert	Cambridge classicist, poet	1882	London, Relfe Brothers
Lang, Andrew	1844–1912, Scots poet, historian, critic, folk tales collector, etc.	1883	London, Macmillan	Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus' son, the ruinous wrath that brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into Hades many strong souls of heroes…
Leaf, Walter	1852–1927, banker, scholar
Myers, Ernest	1844–1921, poet, classicist
Howland, G. [George]	1824–1892, American educator, author, translator	1889	Boston
Purves, John		1891	London, Percival
Bateman, C. W.		c. 1895	London, J. Cornish
Mongan, R.
Butler, Samuel	1835–1902, novelist, essayist, critic	1898	London, Longmans, Green	Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades…

Early 20th century (1901–1925)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Tibbetts, E. A.		1907	Boston, R.G. Badges
Blakeney, E. H.	1869–1955, educator, classicist, poet	1909–13	London, G. Bell and Sons
Lewis, Arthur Garner		1911	New York, Baker & Taylor
Murray, Augustus Taber	1866–1940, American professor of classics	1924–5	Cambridge & London, Harvard & Heinemann

Early middle 20th century (1926–1950)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Murison, A. F.	1847–1934, Professor of Roman Law, translator, classicist	1933	London, Longmans Green
Marris, Sir William S.	1873–1945, governor, British Raj	1934	Oxford
Rouse, William Henry Denham	1863–1950, Pedagogist of classical studies	1938	London, T. Nelson & Sons
Smith, R. [James Robinson]	1888–1964, Classicist, translator, poet	1938	London, Grafton
Smith, William Benjamin	1850–1934, American professor of mathematics	1944	New York, Macmillan
Miller, Walter	1864–1949, American professor of classics, archaeologist
Rieu, Emile Victor	1887–1972, classicist, publisher, poet	1950	Harmondsworth, Middlesex, Penguin
Chase, Alsten Hurd	1906–1994, American chairman of preparatory school classics department	1950	Boston, Little Brown
Perry, William G.	1913–1998, Psychologist, professor of education, classicist

Late middle 20th century (1951–1975)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Lattimore, Richmond	1906–1984, poet, translator	1951	Chicago, University Chicago Press	Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus’ son Achilleus / and its devastation, which put pains thousandfold upon the Achians, / hurled in their multitudes to the house of Hades...
Andrew, S. O. [Samuel Ogden]	1868–1952, headmaster, classicist	1955	London, J. M. Dent & Sons
Oakley, Michael J.
Graves, Robert	1895–1985, Professor of Poetry, translator, novelist	1959	New York, Doubleday and London, Cassell
Rees, Ennis	1925–2009, American Professor of English, poet, translator	1963	New York, Random House	Sing, O Goddess, the ruinous wrath of Achilles, / Son of Peleus, the terrible curse that brought / Unnumbered woes upon the Achaeans and hurled / To Hades so many heroic souls…
Fitzgerald, Robert	1910–1985, American Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory, poet, critic, translator	1974	New York, Doubleday	Anger be now your song, immortal one, / Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous, / that caused the Akhaians loss on bitter loss / and crowded brave souls into the undergloom…

Late 20th century (1976–2000)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Hull, Denison Bingham	1897–1988, American classicist	1982
Hammond, Martin	born 1944, Headmaster, classicist	1987	Harmondsworth Middlesex, Penguin	Sing, goddess, of the anger of Achilleus, son of Peleus, the accursed anger which brought uncounted anguish on the Achaians and hurled down to Hades many mighty souls of heroes, making their bodies the prey to dogs and the birds' feasting: and this was the working of Zeus' will. Sing from the time of the first quarrel which divided Atreus' son, the lord of men, and godlike Achilleus.
Reck, Michael	1928–1993, Poet, classicist, orientalist	1990	New York, Harper Collins	Sing, Goddess, Achilles' maniac rage: / ruinous thing! it roused a thousand sorrows / and hurled many souls of mighty warriors / to Hades, made their bodies food for dogs / and carrion birds...
Rieu, Emile Victor	1887–1972, classicist, publisher, poet	2003	London, Penguin
posthumously revised by Rieu, D. C. H.	1916–2008, Headmaster, classicist
posthumously revised by Jones, Peter V.	Born 1942 Classicist, writer, journalist
Fagles, Robert	1933–2008, American professor of English, poet	1990	New York, Viking/Penguin	Rage—Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles, / murderous, doomed, that cost the Achaeans countless losses, / hurling down to the House of Death so many sturdy souls…
Lombardo, Stanley	born 1943, American Professor of Classics	1997	Indianapolis, Hackett	Rage: 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. Begin with the clash between Agamemnon— The Greek warlord—and godlike Achilles.

21st century

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Johnston, Ian	Canadian academic	2002		Sing, Goddess, sing of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus— / that murderous anger which condemned Achaeans / to countless agonies and threw many warrior souls / deep into Hades…	[3]
Merrill, Rodney	American classicist	2007	University of Michigan Press
Jordan, Herbert	born 1938, American lawyer, translator	2008	University of Oklahoma Press	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 feasts for vulures. Zeuz's will was done from when those two first quarreled and split apart, the king, Agememnon, and matchless Achilles.
Kline, Anthony S.	born 1947, translator	2009		Goddess, sing me the anger, of Achilles, Peleus' son, that fatal anger that brought countless sorrows on the Greeks, and sent many valiant souls of warriors down to Hades, leaving their bodies as spoil for dogs and carrion birds: for thus was the will of Zeus brought to fulfilment. Sing of it from the moment when Agamemnon, Atreus' son, that king of men, parted in wrath from noble Achilles.   Which of the gods set these two to quarrel? Apollo, the son of Leto and Zeus, angered by the king, brought an evil plague on the army, so that the men were dying, for the son of Atreus had dishonoured Chryses the priest. He it was who came to the swift Achaean ships, to free his daughter, bringing a wealth of ransom, carrying a golden staff adorned with the ribbons of far-striking Apollo, and called out to the Achaeans, above all to the two leaders of armies, those sons of Atreus: 'Atreides, and all you bronze-greaved Achaeans, may the gods who live on Olympus grant you to sack Priam's city, and sail back home in safety; but take this ransom, and free my darling child; show reverence for Zeus's son, far-striking Apollo.'
Mitchell, Stephen	born 1943, American poet, translator	2011	Simon & Schuster
McCrorie, Edward	born 1936, American poet and classicist	2012	The Johns Hopkins University Press	Sing of rage, Goddess, that bane of Akhilleus, Peleus' son, which caused untold pain for Akhaians...
Oswald, Alice	born 1966 British poet, won T. S. Eliot Prize in 2002	2012	W. W. Norton & Company
Powell, Barry B.	born 1942, American poet, classicist, translator	2013	Oxford University Press	The rage sing, O goddess, of Achilles, son of Peleus, the destructive anger that brought ten-thousand pains to the Achaeans ...
Green, Peter	born 1924, British classicist	2015	University of California Press	Wrath, goddess, sing of Achilles Peleus's son's calamitous wrath, which hit the Achaians with countless ills...

Odyssey

Reference text

Poet		Provenance	Proemic verse	R
Homer	c. 8th century BC Greek poet	Aeolis	Ancient Greek: ἄνδρα μοι ἔννεπε, μοῦσα, πολύτροπον, ὃς μάλα πολλὰ πλάγχθη, ἐπεὶ Τροίης ἱερὸν πτολίεθρον ἔπερσεν: πολλῶν δ᾽ ἀνθρώπων ἴδεν ἄστεα καὶ νόον ἔγνω, πολλὰ δ᾽ ὅ γ᾽ ἐν πόντῳ πάθεν ἄλγεα ὃν κατὰ θυμόν, ἀρνύμενος ἥν τε ψυχὴν καὶ νόστον ἑταίρων. ἀλλ᾽ οὐδ᾽ ὣς ἑτάρους ἐρρύσατο, ἱέμενός περ: αὐτῶν γὰρ σφετέρῃσιν ἀτασθαλίῃσιν ὄλοντο, νήπιοι, οἳ κατὰ βοῦς Ὑπερίονος Ἠελίοιο ἤσθιον: αὐτὰρ ὁ τοῖσιν ἀφείλετο νόστιμον ἦμαρ. τῶν ἁμόθεν γε, θεά, θύγατερ Διός, εἰπὲ καὶ ἡμῖν. Romanization: andra moi ennepe, mousa, polytropon, hos mala polla planchthē, epei troiēs hieron ptoliethron epersen: pollōn d' anthrōpōn iden astea kai noon egnō, polla d' ho g' en pontō pathen algea hon kata thymon, arnymenos hēn te psychēn kai noston hetairōn. all' oud' hōs hetarous errysato, hiemenos per: autōn gar spheterēsin atasthaliēsin olonto, nēpioi, ohi kata bous Hyperionos Ēelioio ēsthion: autar ho toisin apheileto nostimon ēmar. tōn hamothen ge, thea, thygater Dios, eipe kai hēmin.

17th century (1615–1700)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Chapman, George	1559–1634, dramatist, poet, classicist	1615	London, Rich. Field for Nathaniell Butter	The man, O Muse, inform, that many a way Wound with his wisdom to his wished stay; That wandered wondrous far, when he the town Of sacred Troy had sack'd and shivered down; The cities of a world of nations, With all their manners, minds, and fashions, He saw and knew; at sea felt many woes, Much care sustained, to save from overthrows Himself and friends in their retreat for home; But so their fates he could not overcome, Though much he thirsted it. O men unwise, They perish'd by their own impieties, That in their hunger's rapine would not shun The oxen of the lofty-going Sun, Who therefore from their eyes the day bereft Of safe return. These acts, in some part left, Tell us, as others, deified Seed of Jove.
Ogilby, John	1600–1676, cartographer, publisher, translator	1665	London, Roycroft	That prudent Hero's wandering, Muse, rehearse, Who (Troy b'ing sack'd) coasting the Universe, Saw many Cities, and their various Modes; Much suffering, tost by Storms on raging Floods, His Friends conducting to their Native Coast: But all in vain, for he his Navy lost, And they their Lives, prophanely feasting on Herds consecrated to the glorious Sun; Who much incens'd obstructed so their way, They ne'er return'd : Jove's Daughter this display.
Hobbes, Thomas	1588–1679, acclaimed philosopher, etc.	1675	London, W. Crook	Tell me, O Muse, th’ adventures of the man That having sack’d the sacred town of Troy, Wander’d so long at sea; what course he ran By winds and tempests driven from his way: That saw the cities, and the fashions knew Of many men, but suffer’d grievous pain To save his own life, and bring home his crew; Though for his crew, all he could do was vain, They lost themselves by their own insolence, Feeding, like fools, on the Sun’s sacred kine; Which did the splendid deity incense To their dire fate. Begin, O Muse divine.

Early 18th century (1701–1750)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Pope, Alexander (with William Broome and Elijah Fenton)	1688–1744, poet	1725		The man for wisdom’s various arts renown’d, Long exercised in woes, O Muse! resound; Who, when his arms had wrought the destined fall Of sacred Troy, and razed her heaven-built wall, Wandering from clime to clime, observant stray’d, Their manners noted, and their states survey’d, On stormy seas unnumber’d toils he bore, Safe with his friends to gain his natal shore: Vain toils! their impious folly dared to prey On herds devoted to the god of day; The god vindictive doom’d them never more (Ah, men unbless’d!) to touch that natal shore. Oh, snatch some portion of these acts from fate, Celestial Muse! and to our world relate.

Late 18th century (1751–1800)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Cowper, William	1731–1800, poet and hymnodist	1791		Muse make the man thy theme, for shrewdness famed And genius versatile, who far and wide A Wand’rer, after Ilium overthrown, Discover’d various cities, and the mind And manners learn’d of men, in lands remote. He num’rous woes on Ocean toss’d, endured, Anxious to save himself, and to conduct His followers to their home; yet all his care Preserved them not; they perish’d self-destroy’d By their own fault; infatuate! who devoured The oxen of the all-o’erseeing Sun, And, punish’d for that crime, return’d no more. Daughter divine of Jove, these things record, As it may please thee, even in our ears.

Early 19th century (1801–1850)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Cary, H. F.? (“Graduate of Oxford”)	1772–1844, author, translator	1823	London, Whittaker	O Muse, inspire me to tell of the crafty man, who wandered very much after he had brought to destruction the sacred city of Tioy, and saw the cities of many men, and became acquainted with their disposition. He suffered many griefs in his mind on the sea, to preserve his own life, and to obtain a return for his companions; but not even thus, although anxious, did he save his companions: for they perished by their own wickedness, fools who consumed the cattle of the Sun who journeys above; but he deprived them of their return. O Goddess, daughter of Jove, relate even to us some of these things at least.
Sotheby, William	1757–1833, poet, translator	1834	London, John Murray	Muse! sing the Man by long experience tried, Who, fertile in resources, wander'd wide, And when Troy's sacred walls in dust were laid, Men's varying moods and many a realm survey'd. He much endured on ocean's stormy wave, Intent his followers, and himself to save, In vain:—they perish'd by their guilt undone; Fools! who devour'd the bullocks of the Sun— The God, in vengeance for his cattle slain, In their return destroy'd them on the main. Daughter of Jove! deign thou to us disclose, Celestial Muse, a portion of their woes.

Late middle 19th century (1851–1875)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Buckley, Theodore Alois	1825–1856, translator	1851	London, H. G. Bohn	O Muse, sing to me of the man full of resources, who wandered very much after he had destroyed the sacred city of Troy, and saw the cities of many men, and learned their manners. Many griefs also in his mind did he suffer on the sea, although seeking to preserve his own life, and the return of his companions; but not even thus, although anxious, did he extricate his companions : for they perished by their own infatuation, fools! who devoured the oxen of the Sun who journeys on high; but he deprived them of their return. O goddess, daughter of Jove, relate to us also some of these things.
Barter, William G. T., Esq.	1808–1871, barrister	1862, in part	London, Bell and Daldy	Sing me, O Muse, that all-experienced Man, Who, after he Troy's sacred town o'erthrew, Did tossing wander much, and cities scan Of men a many, and their genius knew; Woes manifold by sea he suffer'd too While life and friends' return he 'd fain have won. Nathless he rescued not his comrades, who By their own wilful folly were undone; The fools! that ate the beeves of the o'ergoing Sun.   And from them verily he took away The day of their return. These things to me, Daughter of Zeus, O goddess, somewhat say.
Alford, Henry	1810–1871, theologian, textual critic, scholar, poet, hymnodist	1861	London, Longman, Green, Longman, and Robert	Tell of the man, thou Muse, much versed, who widely Wandered, when he had sacked Troy’s sacred fortress; Many men’s town he saw, and knew their manners; Many the woes he suffered on the ocean, To win his life, and safety for his comrades. But them he might not rescue, though he loved them; For they were slain amidst their impious daring, Fools, who the cattle of the mighty Sun-god Devoured,—and He cut short their homeward journey. Of all this, Goddess, what thou wilt, inform us.
Worsley, Philip Stanhope	1835–1866, poet	1861–2	Edinburgh, W. Blackwood & Sons	Sing me. O Muse, that hero wandering, Who of men's minds did much experience reap, And knew the citied realms of many a king, Even from the hour he smote the Trojan keep. Also a weight of sorrows in the deep, Brooding he bore, in earnest hope to save, 'Mid hard emprise and labour all to keep, Himself and comrades from a watery grave — Whom yet he rescued not with zeal nor yeareings brave; For they were slain in their own foolishness.   Self-blinded, feasting on Hyperion's kine. He, the great Sun, in vengeance merciless, Wroth for the slaughter of his herds divine, Did bend their fortunes to a stern decline. And raze out wholly their returning day With disadventure and destroying tyne — These even to me, who hearken as I may, Great goddess, child of Zeus, unfold in verse, I pray!
Giles, Rev. Dr. J. A. [John Allen]	1808–1884, headmaster, scholar, prolific author, clergyman	1862–77		Εννεπε declare μοιI to me, Мουσα Muse, ανδρα the man πολυτροπον of many fortunes, ός whoπλαγχθη wandered μαλα πολλα very much, επει when επερσεν he had destroyed ιερον πτολιεθρον the sacred city Τροιης of Troy: ιδε δε and saw αστεα towns και and εγνων learnt νοον the mood πολλων ανθρωπων of many men, πολλα δε αλγεα but many sorrows όγε he indeed παθε suffered όν κατα θυμον in his soul, αρνυμενος while grasping ήν τε ψυχην both his own life και and νοστον the return έταιρων of his companions. Αλλα but ουδε not even ώς thus ερρυσατο did he save έταρους his companions ίεμενος περ though bent upon it: ολοντο γαρ for they perished σφετερησιν ατασσθαλιησι by their own phrensies, νηπιοι fools, όι who κατα ησθιον ate up βους the oxen Ήελιοιο of the SunΎπερινος who rolls above us: αυταρ but ό he αφειλετο took away τοισι from them νοστιμον ημαρ the day of their return: των of these things άμοθεν γε from whatever source, θεα O goddess, θυγατερ daughter Διος of Jupiter, ειπε tell και ημιν to us also.
Norgate, T. S. [Thomas Starling, Jr.]	1807–1893, clergyman	1862	London, Williams and Margate	The travelled Man of many a turn,—driven far, Far wandering, when he had sacked Troy’s sacred Town; Tell me, O Muse, his tale; how too he conned The manners of mankind, and visited Full many a City, and how on the deep he suffered Many a heart-pang, striving to secure His own and comrades’ lives and safe return, Yet them he rescued not, howe’er desirous; For by their own blind folly they all perished: Fools that they were! to eat the Sun-god’s herds; So, Hyperion, he who Walks above, Bereft them of their day of home-return! Whereof, from whatsoever source, O goddess, Daughter of Zeus, vouchsafe to tell e’en Us!—
Musgrave, George	1798–1883, clergyman, scholar, writer	1865	London, Bell & Daldy	Tell me, O Muse, declare to me that man Tost to and fro by fate, who, when his arms Had laid Troy’s holy city in the dust, Far wand’ring roam’d on many a tribe of men To bend his gaze, their minds and thoughts to learn. Grief upon grief encounter’d he, when, borne On ocean-waves, his life he carried off A prize from perils rescued, and would fain Have homeward led his brethren in arms; But, not to him,—not to his anxious zeal Was giv’n their rescue; destin’d as they were In their mad arrogance to perish; fools! That dared to seize, and to consume for food, Hyperion’s herds, the oxen of the Sun That walks on high, by whose behest the day Of their return was evermore denied. And thou, too, goddess daughter of great Jove, The theme pursue, and thine own record bear!
Bigge-Wither, Rev. Lovelace		1869	London, James Parker and Co.	Tell me, oh Muse, of-the-many-sided man, Who wandered far and wide full sore bestead, When he had razed the mighty town of Troy: And-of-many-a-race of human-kind he saw The cities; and he learned their mind and ways : And on the deep full many-a-woe he bore In his own hosom, while he strove to save His proper life, and-his-comrades’ home-return. But them not so he saved with all his zeal; For they in their own wilful folly perished: Infatuates! to devour Hyperion’s kine! So he bereft them of their home-return. Of these things, Goddess, where thou wilt beginning, Daughter of Zeus, the tale tell e’en to us!
Edginton, G. W. [George William]	Physician	1869	London, Longman, Green, Reader, and Dyer	Sing, Muse, of that deep man, who wander'd much,  When he had raz'd the walls of sacred Troy, And many towns saw, many customs learnt,  And many griefs endur'd upon the sea;  Anxious to save his comrades and himself:  But them he sav'd not, though desiring it:  But through their rash deeds perish'd of that band Those foolish men, who ate Apollo's kine: That god depriv'd them of return's glad day. Of these men, goddess, tell us too in part!
Bryant, William Cullen	1794–1878, American poet, Evening Post editor	1871	Boston, Houghton, Fields Osgood	Tell me, 0 Muse, of that sagacious man Who, having overthrown the sacred town Of Ilium, wandered far and visited The capitals of many notians, learned The customs of their dwellers, and endured Great suffering on the deep; his life was oft In peril, as he labored to bring back His comrades to their homes. He saved them not, Though earnestly he strove; for they perished all Through their own folly ; for they banqueted, Madmen! upon the oxen of the Sun, — The all-o'erlooking Sun, who cut them off, From their return. O goddess, virgin child Of Jove, relate some'part of this to me.

Late 19th century (1876–1900)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Barnard, Mordaunt Roger	1828–1906, clergyman, translator	1876	London, Williams and Margate	Muse! tell me of the man with much resource, Who wandered far, when sacred Troy he sacked; Saw towns of many men, learned all they knew, Winning his own life and his friends’ return. Yet them he saved not, earnest though he was, For by their own temerity they died. Fools! who devoured the oxen of the sun, Who from them took the day of their return. [Muse, child of Jove! from some source tell us this.]
Merry, William Walter	1835–1918, Oxford classicist and clergyman	1876	Oxford, Clarendon	— Note: not a translation, per se, but the Greek text with commentary —
Riddell, James	1823–1866, Oxford classicist
Mongan, Roscoe		1879–80	London, James Cornish & Sons	O Muse! inspire me to tell of the man, skilled in sxpedients, who wandered very much after he had brought to destruction the sacred city of Troy, and saw the cities of many men, and become acquainted with their dispositions. And he, indeed, on the deep, endured in bis mind many sufferings, whilst endeavoring to secure his own life and the return of his companions; but not even thus, although anxious, did he save his companions : for they perished by their own infatuation; foolish [men that they were], who did eat up the Sun who journeys above; but he deprived them of their return [the day of return]. Of these events, arising from whatever cause, O goddess! daughter of Jove, inform us also.
Butcher, Samuel Henry	1850–1910, Anglo-Irish professor of classics	1879	London, Macmillan	Tell me, Muse, of that man, so ready at need, who wandered far and wide, after he had sacked the sacred citadel of Troy, and many were the men whose towns he saw and whose mind he learnt, yea, and many the woes he suffered in his heart upon the deep, striving to win his own life and the return of his company. Nay, but even so he saved not his company, though he desired it sore. For through the blindness of their own hearts they perished, fools, who devoured the oxen of Helios Hyperion: but the god took from them their day of returning. Of these things, goddess, daughter of Zeus, whencesoever thou hast heard thereof, declare thou even unto us.
Lang, Andrew	1844–1912, Scots poet, historian, critic, folk tales collector, etc.
Schomberg, G. A.	1821–1907, British Raj army general	1879–82	London, J. Murray	Sing Muse the hero versatile, who roved So far, so long, after he overthrew Troy's holy citadel ; of many men He saw the cities, and their manners learned; And woes he suffered on the deep; he strove To win his comrades' lives, and safe return. But all his strivings failed to rescue them: They perished for their witless sacrilege, Who ate the oxen of Hyperion Sun; Hence nevermore saw they their native land. Daughter of Jove, help us to tell the tale.
Du Cane, Sir Charles	1825–1889, governor, M. P.	1880	Edinburgh and London, William Blackwood and Sons	Muse! of that hero versatile indite to me the song, Doomed, when he sacred Troy had sacked, to wander far and long. Who saw the towns of many men, much knowledge did obtain Anent their ways, and with much woe was heart-wrung on the main, Seeking his own life to preserve, his friends' return to gain. E'en so he rescued not his friends, though eagerly he strove, For them their own infatuate deeds to direful ending drove. Fools, who the sun-god's sacred beeves dared madly to devour, Doomed by his anger ne'er to see of glad return the hour. Sing, goddess, child of mighty Jove, of these events, I pray, And from what starting-point thou wilt begin with me the lay.
Way, Arthur Sanders (Avia)	1847–1930, Australian classicist, headmaster	1880	London, Macmillan	The Hero of craft-renown, O Song-goddess, chant me his fame, Who, when low he had laid Troy town, unto many a far land came, And many a city beheld he, and knew the hearts of their folk, And by woes of the sea was unquelled, o'er the rock of his spirit that broke, When he fain would won for a prey his life, and his friends' return, Yet never they saw that day, howsoever his heart might yearn, But they perished every one, by their own mad deeds did they fall, For they slaughtered the kine of the Sun, and devoured them — fools were they all. So the God in his wrath took awav their day of return for their guilt. [(1903 edition): So in anger their home-coming day did the God take away for their guilt.] O Goddess, inspire my lay, with their tale; take it up as thou wilt.
Hayman, Henry	1823–1904, translator, clergyman	1882	London	— Note: not a translation, per se, but the Greek text with "marginal references, various readings, notes and appendices." —
Hamilton, Sidney G.		1883	London, Macmillan	— Note: Not a translation, per se, but a commentary. Edition inclusive of Books 11 – 24 —
Palmer, George Herbert	1842–1933, American professor, philosopher, author	1884	Boston & New York, Houghton Mifflin	Speak to me, Muse, of the adventurous man who wandered long after he sacked the sacred citadel of Troy. Many the men whose towns he saw, whose ways he proved ; and many a pang he bore in his own breast at sea while struggling for his' life and his men's safe return. Yet even so, by all his zeal, he did not save his men; for through their own perversity they perished— fools! who devoured the kine of the exhalted Sun. Wherefore he took away the day of their return. Of this, O goddess, daughter of Zeus, beginning where thou wilt, speak to us also.
Morris, William	1834–1896, poet, author, artist	1887	London, Reeves & Turner	Tell me, O Muse, of the Shifty, the man who wandered afar. After the Holy Burg, Troy town, he had wasted with war; He saw the towns of menfolk, and the mind of men did he learn; As he warded his life in the world, and his fellow-farers' return, Many a grief of heart on the deep-sea flood he bore, Nor yet might he save his fellows, for all that he longed for it sore They died of their own soul's folly, for witless as they were They ate up the beasts of the Sun, the Rider of the air, And he took away from them all their dear returning day; O goddess, O daughter of Zeus, from whencesoever ye may, Gather the tale, and tell it, yea even to us at the last!
Howland, G. [George]	1824–1892, American educator, author, translator	1891	New York	Tell me, O Muse, of the man of many resources, who many Ills was made to endure, when he Troy's sacred city had wasted; Many the people whose cities he saw,and learned of their customs, Many also the sorrows he suffered at sea in his spirit, Striving to save his own life and secure the return of his comrades But not thus his comrades he saved, however he wished it, For by their own presumptuous deeds they foolishly perished: Madmen they, who devoured the sun god, Hyperion's oxen, And in revenge he took from them their day of returning. Of these things, thou goddess, daughter of Jove, tell us also.
Cordery, John Graham	1833–1900, civil servant, British Raj	1897	London, Methuen	Sing through my lips, O Goddess, sing the man Resourceful, who, storm-buffeted far and wide, > After despoiling of Troy's sacred tower, Beheld the cities of mankind, and knew Their various temper! Many on the sea The sorrows in his inmost heart he bore For rescue of his comrades and his life; Those not for all his effort might he save; Fools, of their own perversities they fell, Daring consume the cattle of the Sun Hyperion, who bereft them of return! That we too may have knowledge, sing these things, Daughter of Zeus, beginning whence thou wilt!
Butler, Samuel	1835–1902, novelist, essayist, critic	1900	London, Longmans, Green	Tell me, O muse, of that ingenious hero who travelled far and wide after he had sacked the famous town of Troy. Many cities did he visit, and many were the nations with whose manners and customs he was acquainted; moreover he suffered much by sea while trying to save his own life and bring his men safely home; but do what he might he could not save his men, for they perished through their own sheer folly in eating the cattle of the Sun-god Hyperion; so the god prevented them from ever reaching home. Tell me, too, about all these things, O daughter of Jove, from whatsoever source you may know them.

Early 20th century (1901–1925)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Monro, David Binning	1836–1905, Scots anatomy professor, Homerist	1901	Oxford, Clarendon	— Note: translation inclusive of Books 13–24 —
Mackail, John William	1859–1945, Oxford Professor of Poetry	1903–10	London, John Murray	O Muse, instruct me of the man who drew His changeful course through wanderings not a few After he sacked the holy town of Troy, And saw the cities and the counsel knew Of many men, and many a time at sea Within his heart he bore calamity, While his own life he laboured to redeem And bring his fellows back from jeopardy. Yet not his fellows thus from death he won, Fain as he was to save them: who undone By their own hearts' infatuation died, Fools, that devoured the oxen of the Sun, Hyperion: and therefore he the day Of their returning homeward reft away. Goddess, God's daughter, grant that now thereof We too may hear, such portion as we may.
Cotterill, Henry Bernard	1846–1924, essayist, translator	1911	Boston, D. Estes/Harrap	Sing, O Muse, of the man so wary and wise, who in far lands Wandered whenas he had wasted the sacred town of the Trojans. Many a people he saw and beheld their cities and customs, Many a woe he endured in his heart as he tossed on the ocean, Striving to win him his life and to bring home safely his comrades. Ah but he rescued them not, those comrades, much as he wished it. Ruined by their own act of infatuate madness they perished, Fools that they were—who the cows of the sun-god, lord Hyperion, Slaughtered and ate; and he took from the men their day of returning. Sing—whence-ever the lay—sing, Zeus-born goddess, for us too!
Murray, Augustus Taber	1866–1940, American professor of classics	1919	Cambridge & London, Harvard & Heinemann	Tell me, O Muse, of the man of many devices, who wandered full many ways after he had sacked the sacred citadel of Troy. Many were the men whose cities he saw and whose mind he learned, aye, and many the woes he suffered in his heart upon the sea, seeking to win his own life and the return of his comrades. Yet even so he saved not his comrades, though he desired it sore, for through their own blind folly they perished—fools, who devoured the kine of Helios Hyperion; but he took from them the day of their returning. Of these things, goddess, daughter of Zeus, beginning where thou wilt, tell thou even unto us.
Caulfeild, Francis		1921	London, G. Bell & Sons	Sing me the Restless Man, O Muse, who roamed the world over, When, by his wondrous guile, he had sacked Troy's sacred fortress. Cities of various men he saw: their thoughts he discernéd. Many a time, in the deep, his heart was melted for trouble. Striving to win his life, and eke return for his comrades: Yet, though he strove full sore, he could not save his companions, For, as was meet and just, through deeds of folly they perished: Fools ! who devoured the oxen of Him who rides in the heavens, Helios, who, in his course, missed out their day of returning. Yet, how they fared and died, be gracious, O Goddess, to tell us. On page viii, Caulfeild gives the scansion in Homer's "original metre" of the third line of his translation as: Māny a | tĩme in the | deēp [– (pause or 'cæsura')] hĩs | heārt was | mēlted for | trōublē,
Marris, Sir William S.	1873–1945, governor, British Raj	1925	London, England, and Mysore, India, Oxford University Press	Tell me, O Muse, of that Great Traveller Who wandered far and wide when he had sacked The sacred town of Troy. Of many men He saw the cities and he learned the mind; Ay, and at heart he suffered many woes Upon the sea, intent to save his life And bring his comrades home. Yet even so His men he could not save for all his efforts, For through their own blind wilfulness they perished; The fools! who ate up Hyperion's kine; And he bereft them of their homing day. Touching these things, beginning where thou wilt, Tell even us, O goddess, child of Zeus.
Hiller, Robert H.	1864–1944, American professor of Greek	1925	Philadelphia and Chicago, etc., John C. Winston	Tell me, O Muse, of that clever hero who wandered far after capturing the sacred city of Troy. For he saw the towns and learned the ways of many peoples. Many hardships too he suffered on the sea while struggling for his own life and for the safe return of his men. Yet all his zeal did not save his companions. They perished through their own rashness — the fools! — because they ate the cattle of the Sun, and he therefore kept them from reaching home. Tell us also of this, 0 goddess, daughter of Zeus, beginning where you will.

Early middle 20th century (1926–1950)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Bates, Herbert	1868–1929, novelist, short-story writer	1929	New York, McGraw Hill	Tell me the tale, Muse, of that man Of many changes, he who went Wandering so far when he had plundered Troy’s sacred citadel. And many The men whose cities he beheld, Whose minds he learned to know, and many The sorrows that his soul endured Upon the deep the while he strove To save himself from death and bring His comrades home.                                     Of these things now, Daughter of Zeus, O goddess, tell us, Even as thou wilt, the tale.
Lawrence, T. E. (T. E. Shaw)	1888–1935, archaeological scholar, military strategist, author	1932	London, Walker, Merton, Rogers; New York, Oxford University Press	Goddess-Daughter of Zeus                        Sustain for Me   This Song of the Various-Minded Man         Who after He Had Plundered  The Innermost Citadel of Hallowed Troy        Was Made to Stray Grievously           About the Coasts of Men The Sport of Their Customs Good or Bad                   While His Heart             Through All the Seafaring   Ached in an Agony to Redeem Himself      And Bring His Company Safe Home                   Vain Hope—For Them         For His Fellows He Strove in Vain Their Own Witlessness Cast Them Away                        The Fools               To Destroy for Meat     The Oxen of the Most Exalted Sun   Wherefore the Sun-God Blotted out          The Day of Their Return             Make the Tale Live for Us            In all Its Many Bearings                         O Muse
Rouse, William Henry Denham	1863–1950, pedogogist of classic studies	1937	London, T. Nelson & Sons	This is the story of a man, one who was never at a loss. He had travelled far in the world, after the sack of Troy, the virgin fortress; he saw many cities of men, and learnt their mind; he endured many troubles and hardships in the struggle to save his own life and to bring back his men safe to their homes. He did his best, but he could not save his companions. For they perished by their own madness, because they killed and ate the cattle of Hyperion the Sun-god, and the god took care that they should never see home again.
Rieu, Emile Victor	1887–1972, classicist, publisher, poet	1945	London & Baltimore, Penguin	The hero of the tale which I beg the Muse to help me tell is that resourceful man who roamed the wide world after he had sacked the holy citadel of Troy. He saw the cities of many peoples and he learnt their ways. He suffered many hardships on the high seas in his struggles to preserve his life and bring his comrades home. But he failed to save those comrades, in spite of all his efforts. It was their own sin that brought them to their doom, for in their folly they devoured the oxen of Hyperion the Sun, and the god saw to it that they should never return. This is the tale I pray the divine Muse to unfold to us. Begin it, goddess, at whatever point you will.
Andrew, S. O. [Samuel Ogden]	1868–1952, headmaster	1948	London, J. M. Dent & Sons	Tell me, O muse, of the hero fated to roam So long and so far when Ilion's keep he had sack'd, And the city and mind of many a people he knew, And many a woe he endur'd on the face of the deep To win both life for himself and his comrades' return; Yet for all his striving he brought not his company home, For they by their own blindness at last were stroy'd, Fools! who ate of the sacred beeves of the Sun And he, Hyperion, ras'd out their day of return: Sing, then, O daughter of Zeus, that Wanderer's tale.

Late middle 20th century (1951–1975)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Lattimore, Richmond	1906–1984, poet, translator	1965	New York, Harper & Row	Tell me, Muse, of the man of many ways, who was driven far journeys, after he had sacked Troy's sacred citadel. Many were they whose cities he saw, whose minds he learned of, many the pains he suffered in his spirit on the wide sea, struggling for his own life and the homecoming of his companions. Even so he could not save his companions, hard though he strove to; they were destroyed by their own wild recklessness, fools, who devoured the oxen of Helios, the Sun God, and he took away the day of their homecoming. From some point here, goddess, daughter of Zeus, speak, and begin our story.
Rees, Ennis	1925–2009, American Professor of English, poet, translator	1960	New York, Random House	Of that versatile man, O Muse, tell me the story, How he wandered both long and far after sacking The city of holy Troy. May were the towns He saw and many the men whose minds he knew, And many were the woes his stout heart suffered at sea As he fought to return alive with living comrades. Them he could not save, though much he longed to, For through their own thoughtless greed they died -- blind fools Who slaughtered the Sun's own cattle, Hyperion's herd, For food, and so by him were kept from returning. Of all these things, O Goddess, daughter of Zeus, Beginning wherever you swish, tell even us.
Fitzgerald, Robert	1910–1985, American Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory, poet, critic, translator	1961	New York, Doubleday	Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story of that man skilled in all ways of contending, the wanderer, harried for years on end, after he plundered the stronghold on the proud height of Troy.                                 He saw the townlands and learned the minds of many distant men, and weathered many bitter nights and days in his deep heart at sea, while he fought only to save his life, to bring his shipmates home. But not by will nor valor could he save them, for their own recklessness destroyed them all-- children and fools, they killed and feasted on the cattle of Lord Hêlios, the Sun, and he who moves all day through heaven took from their eyes the dawn of their return. Of these adventures, Muse, daughter of Zeus, tell us in our time, lift up great song again.
Epps, Preston H.	1888–1982, American professor	1965	New York, Macmillan
Cook, Albert	1925–1998, professor	1967	New York, W. W. Norton	Tell me, Muse, about the man of many turns, who many Ways wandered when he had sacked Troy's holy citadel; He saw the cities of many men, and he knew their thought; On the ocean he suffered many pains within his heart, Striving for his life and his companions' return. But he did not save his companions, though he wanted to: They lost their own lives because of their recklessness. The fools, they devoured the cattle of Hyperion, The Sun, and he took away the day of their return. Begin the tale somewhere for us also, goddess, daughter of Zeus.

Late 20th century (1976–2000)

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Hull, Denison Bingham	1897–1988, American classicist	1979	Ohio University Press
Shewring, Walter	1906–1990, Professor of classics, poet	1980	Oxford, Oxford University Press	Goddess of song, teach me the story of a hero.   This was the man of wide-ranging spirit who had sacked the sacred town of Troy and who wandered afterwards long and far. Many were those whose cities he viewed and whose minds he came to know, many the troubles that vexed his heart as he sailed the seas, labouring to save himself and to bring his comrades home. But his comrades he could not keep from ruin, strive as he might; they perished instead by their own presumptuousness. Fools, they devoured the cattle of Hyperion, and he, the sun-god, cut off from them the day of their homecoming.   Goddess, daughter of Zeus, to me in turn impart some knowledge of all these things, beginning where you will.
Hammond, Martin	born 1944, Headmaster, classicist	2000	London, Duckworth	Muse, tell me of a man – a man of much resource, who was made to wander far and long, after he had sacked the sacred city of Troy. Many were the men whose lands he saw and came to know their thinking, many too the miseries at sea which he suffered in his heart as he sought to win his own life and the safe return of his companions. They perished through their own arrant folly – the fools, they ate the cattle of Hyperion the Sun, and he took away the day of their return.   Start the story where you will, goddess, daughter of Zeus, and share it now with us.
Mandelbaum, Allen	born 1926, American professor of Italian literature and of humanities, poet, translator	1990	Berkeley, University California Press	Muse, tell me of the man of many wiles, the man who wandered many paths of exile after he sacked Troy's sacred citadel. He saw the cities – mapped the minds – of many; and on the sea, his spirit suffered every adversity – to keep his life intact, to bring his comrades back. In that last task, his will was firm and fast, and yet he failed: he could not save his comrades. Fools, they foiled themselves: they ate the oxen of the Sun, the herd of Helios Hyperion; the lord of light requited their transgression – he took away the day of their return.   Muse, tell us of these matters. Daughter of Zeus, my starting point is any point you choose.
Rieu, Emile Victor	1887–1972, classicist, publisher, poet	1991	London, Penguin	Tell me, Muse of that resourceful man who was driven to wander far and wide after he had sacked the holy citadel of Troy. He saw the cities of many people and he learnt their ways. He suffered great anguish on the high seas in his struggles to preserve life and bring his comrades home. But he failed to save those comrades, in spite of all his efforts. It was their own transgression that brought them to their doom, for in their folly they devoured the oxen of Hyperion the Sun-god and he saw to it that they would never return. Tell us this story, goddess daughter of Zeus, beginning at whatever point you will.
posthumously revised by Rieu, D. C. H.	1916–2008, Headmaster, classicist
posthumously revised by Jones, Peter V.	Born 1942 Classicist, writer, journalist
Fagles, Robert	1933–2008, American professor of English, poet	1996	New York, Viking/Penguin	Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy.   Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds, many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea, fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home. But he could not save them from disaster, hard as he strove – the recklessness of their own ways destroyed them all, the blind fools, they devoured the cattle of the Sun and the Sungod blotted out the day of their return. Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus, start from where you will –sing for our time too.
Kemball-Cook, Brian	1912–2002, Headmaster, classicist	1993	London, Calliope Press	Tell me, O Muse, of a man of resourceful spirit who wandered Far, having taken by storm Troy's sacred city and sacked it. Many the men whose cities he saw, whose thoughts he discovered; Many the grievous troubles he suffered at sea in his spirit, Striving to save his life and restore his friends to their homeland. Yet he failed in the end to save his friends by his efforts. By their folly they perished, by their own folly and blindness, Fools, who elected to feed on great Hyperion's oxen; So that God of the Sun denied their day of returning. Tell us the tale, goddess, daughter of Zeus, and choose the beginning.
Dawe, R. D.	Classicist, translator	1993	Sussex, The Book Guild	Tell me, Muse, of the versatile man who was driven off course many times after he had sacked the holy citadel of Troy. Many were the peoples whose cities he saw, and whose minds he got to know; and at sea many were the pains he felt in his heart as he tried to secure his own life and his comrades’ return home. Even so he did not save them, much as he wanted to. Instead they perished through their own outrageous , foolish men who ate up the cattle of Hyperion the Sun; and he took from them the day of their homecoming. From some point or other, goddess, daughter of Zeus, tell us too about these things.
Reading, Peter	born 1946, Poet	1994
Lombardo, Stanley	born 1943, American Professor of Classics	2000	Indianapolis, Hackett	Speak, Memory –                                    Of the cunning hero The wanderer, blown off course time and again After he plundered Troy's sacred heights.                                                            Speak Of all the cities he saw, the minds he grasped, The suffering deep in his heart at sea As he struggled to survive and bring his men home But could not save them, hard as he tried – The fools – destroyed by their own recklessness When they ate the oxen of Hyperion the Sun, And that god snuffed out their day of return.                                Of these things,  Speak, Immortal One, And tell the tale once more in our time.

21st century

Translator		Publication		Proemic verse	R
Eickhoff, R. L.	translator, poet, playwright, novelist, classicist	2001	New York, T. Doherty	— Novel —
Johnston, Ian	Canadian academic	2006	Arlington, Richer Resources Publications	Muse, speak to me now of that resourceful man who wandered far and wide after ravaging the sacred citadel of Troy. He came to see many people’s cities, where he learned their customs, while on the sea his spirit suffered many torments, as he fought to save his life and lead his comrades home. But though he wanted to, he could not rescue them— they all died from their own stupidity, the fools. They feasted on the cattle of Hyperion, god of the sun—that’s why he snatched away their chance of getting home someday. So now, daughter of Zeus, tell us his story, starting anywhere you wish.
Merrill, Rodney	American classicist	2002	University of Michigan Press	Tell me, Muse, of the man versatile and resourceful, who wandered many a sea-mile after he ransacked Troy’s holy city. Many the men whose towns he observed, whose minds he discovered, many the pains in his heart he suffered, traversing the seaway, fighting for his own life and a way back home for his comrades. Not even so did he save his companions, as much as he wished to, for by their own mad recklessness they were brought to destruction, childish fools–they decided to eat up the cows of the High Lord, Helios: he then took from the men their day of returning. Even for us, holy daughter of Zeus, start there to recount this.
Kline, Anthony S.	born 1947, translator	2004		Tell me, Muse, of that man of many resources, who wandered far and wide, after sacking the holy citadel of Troy. Many the men whose cities he saw, whose ways he learned. Many the sorrows he suffered at sea, while trying to bring himself and his friends back alive. Yet despite his wishes he failed to save them, because of their own un-wisdom, foolishly eating the cattle of Helios, the Sun, so the god denied them their return. Tell us of these things, beginning where you will, Goddess, Daughter of Zeus.
McCrorie, Edward	American professor of English, classicist	2004	Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University Press	The man, my Muse, resourceful, driven a long way after he sacked the holy city of Trojans: tell me all the men’s cities he saw and the men’s minds, how often he suffered heartfelt pain on the broad sea, striving for life and a way back home for his war friends. Yet he saved no friends, much as he longed to: they lost their lives through their own reckless abandon, fools who ate the cattle of Helios the Sun-God. Huperion seized the day they might have arrived home.   Tell us, Goddess, daughter of Zeus, start in your own place.
Armitage, Simon	born 1963, Poet, playwright, novelist	2006	London, Faber and Faber Limited	— Verse-like radio dramatization —
Stein, Charles	American poet, translator	2008	Berkeley, North Atlantic Books	Speak through me, O Muse, of that man of many devices who wandered much once he'd sacked the sacred citadel of Troy. He saw the cities of many men                     and knew their minds, suffering many sorrows in order to win back his life-soul and the return of his companions. In the end he failed to save them, in spite of his longing to do so, for through their own heedlessness they perished. Fools--who ate the cows of Helios-Hyperion, and the day of their return was taken from them. Of these matters, goddess, daughter of Zeus, speak through us beginning wherever you will.
Powell, Barry B.	born 1942, American poet, classicist, translator	2014	Oxford University Press	Sing to me of the resourceful man, O Muse, who wandered far after he had sacked the sacred city of Troy... `

Translators

A	Alford		Odyssey	Armitage		Odyssey	Ashwick	Iliad
	Andrew	Iliad	Odyssey	Arnold	Iliad		Avia	Iliad	Odyssey
B	Bak	Iliad		Bigge-Wither		Odyssey	Bryant	Iliad	Odyssey
	Barnard	Iliad	Odyssey	Blackie	Iliad		Buckley	Iliad	Odyssey
	Barter	Iliad	Odyssey	Blakeney	Iliad		Bulmer	Iliad
	Bateman	Iliad		Brandreth	Iliad		Butcher		Odyssey
	Bates		Odyssey	Bridges	Iliad		Butler	Iliad	Odyssey
	Benjamin	Iliad		Broome	Iliad	Odyssey
C	Caldcleugh	Iliad		Chase	Iliad		Cooke	Iliad
	Calverley	Iliad		Clark	Iliad		Cordery	Iliad	Odyssey
	Cary	Iliad	Odyssey	Cochrane	Iliad		Cotterill		Odyssey
	Caulfeild		Odyssey	Colse	Iliad		Cowper	Iliad	Odyssey
	Cayley	Iliad		Conington	Iliad
	Chapman	Iliad	Odyssey	Cook		Odyssey
D	Dart	Iliad		Derby	Iliad		Du Cane		Odyssey
	Dawe		Odyssey	Dryden	Iliad		'Dublin, graduate of'	Iliad
E	Edginton		Odyssey	Eickhoff		Odyssey	Epps		Odyssey
F	Fagles	Iliad	Odyssey	Fitz-Cotton	Iliad
	Fenton	Iliad	Odyssey	Fitzgerald	Iliad	Odyssey
G	Geddes	Iliad		Graves	Iliad
	Giles	Iliad	Odyssey	Grantham	Iliad		Green	Iliad
H	Hailstone	Iliad		Hayman		Odyssey	Howland	Iliad	Odyssey
	Hall	Iliad		Herschel	Iliad		Hull	Iliad	Odyssey
	Hamilton	Iliad	Odyssey	Hiller		Odyssey	Hurd	Iliad
	Hammond	Iliad	Odyssey	Hobbes	Iliad	Odyssey
J	Johnston	Iliad	Odyssey	Jones	Iliad	Odyssey	Jordan	Iliad
K	Kemball-Cook		Odyssey	Kline	Iliad	Odyssey
L	Lang	Iliad	Odyssey	Lawrence		Odyssey	Lombardo	Iliad	Odyssey
	Langley	Iliad		Leaf	Iliad
	Lattimore	Iliad	Odyssey	Lewis	Iliad
M	Mackail		Odyssey	Merry		Odyssey	Munford	Iliad
	Macpherson	Iliad		Miller	Iliad		Murison	Iliad
	Mandelbaum		Odyssey	Mitchell	Iliad		Murray	Iliad	Odyssey
	Marris	Iliad	Odyssey	Mongan	Iliad	Odyssey	Musgrave		Odyssey
	McCrorie	Iliad	Odyssey	Monro		Odyssey	Myers	Iliad
	Merivale	Iliad		Morrice	Iliad
	Merrill	Iliad	Odyssey	Morris		Odyssey
N	Newman	Iliad		Norgate	Iliad	Odyssey
O	Oakley	Iliad		Oldisworth	Iliad		'Oxford, graduate of'	Iliad	Odyssey
	Ogilby	Iliad	Odyssey	Oswald	Iliad		Ozell	Iliad
P	Palmer		Odyssey	Pope	Iliad	Odyssey	Purves	Iliad
	Perry	Iliad		Powell	Iliad	Odyssey
R	Rawlyns	Iliad		Rees	Iliad	Odyssey	Rieu, D.	Iliad	Odyssey
	Reading		Odyssey	Riddell		Odyssey	Rose	Iliad
	Reck	Iliad		Rieu	Iliad	Odyssey	Rouse	Iliad	Odyssey
S	Schomberg		Odyssey	Simcox	Iliad		Sotheby	Iliad	Odyssey
	Scott	Iliad		Smith, R.	Iliad		Stein		Odyssey
	Shaw		Odyssey	Smith, Wm.	Iliad
	Shewring		Odyssey	Smith-Stanley	Iliad
T	Tibbetts	Iliad		Tickell	Iliad		Tremenheere	Iliad
W	Way	Iliad	Odyssey	Worsley	Iliad	Odyssey	Wright	Iliad

Further reading

• Homer; Dykman, Aminadav; Steiner, George (1996), Dykman, Aminadav; Steiner, George (eds.), Homer in English, Classics: Poets in Translation, Penguin Books, ISBN 978-0-14-044621-0
• Nikoletseas, Michael M. The Iliad - Twenty Centuries of Translation: a Critical View, 2012

External links

• Published English Translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey by Ian Johnston. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
• Homer; Huddleston, James (translator), The Chicago Homer, NorthWestern.edu, retrieved 8 August 2011 {{citation}}: |first2= has generic name (help)