Oddities in Translation

[chad]

i had a question about your comment. do i teach your student the proper names of the characters or do u teach the wrong names.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend that those wishing to read the Iliad purchase or borrow from a local library a copy of this epic as translated by Richmond Lattimore. While there are other translations out there, his is my favorite.<br><br>And yes I also agree that since the Iliad is an example of Greek literature, using the Roman or latinized names of the characters seems inappropriate.

[Unregistered]

What the **** are you talking about? The Greek names ARE the proper names!

[David M. Wagner]

I can only guess that during Samuel Butler's time there was a vogue for Romanization over Hellenization. And not just then: after all, we use Roman names for the planets, and we frequently Romanize ancient Greek names; e.g., Oedipus instead of Oidipos. Achilles instead of Akhilleus.<br><br>That said, I agree that the usage should be Greek names in Greek texts, Roman names in Roman texts.<br><br><br>

[Social Studies Teacher]

Why is it that this epic poem about the Greeks uses the Roman names for the major gods and goddesses? I have read many translations of this epic and NEVER have I seen Zeus, Hera or Athene referred to by their Roman counterpart names (Jove, Juno, Minerva, etc). This seems to be a poor translation compared to others I have read. I would be very concerned if my students were using this particular version for research.