ok ok ok so you're getting a Homeric Epics ask because there's too much for a comment. Firstly translations - the Wilson translations are critically acclaimed, they're known for being a lot more straightforward language than many other translations, I haven't read them properly but from what I see they're fine, they're good. I personally enjoy things being a bit more elaborate, I love a bit of purple poetry, so I go for the Fitzgerald translation which a. avoids some of the random misogyny that like the Fagles has. Lattimore is the last of the big three traditional translations, it's SO BORING it's like word for word accurate it's the crib translation but it is DULL. Go for the Wilson for sure if you want but be aware it's not like, an inherently better translation always? It can be your favourite but I feel like people talk about it like it has greater value because it was written by a woman sometimes. But I'm absolutely not downplaying it, it is good.

Iliad vs Odyssey! You don't need to have read the Iliad to read the Odyssey. The Odyssey is the one with the fun stories, it's a bit dramatic it's a bit fun it has monsters. It's honestly surprisingly light? I read most of it on like a five hour train ride (fitzgerald translation) in August and it had been a long while and I was surprised again that it wasn't as much of a slog as it could be. It's the one with the action and the random episodes, it's a great time. Is it as well written as the Iliad? probably not but it's very beloved to me.

The Iliad I actually studied properly so in my mind it requires more understanding of historical and cultural context to be interesting but idk if that's actually true. I do love it, I do, I defo think it's a harder read, it has more depth and complexity but also a lot of it is people stabbing other people and while there's so much going on thematically and character-wise sometimes the actual plot can get a little samey (JUST LIKE WAR BABEY IT'S ABOUT THE HORRORS OF WAR). I would absolutely say read it (minus book 2) but if you're a little worried about the style being too dense honestly i might suggest start with the Odyssey and my best friend Odysseus first.

I hope you do end up reading them, they can be hard work but they're genuinely such good stories and such good writing!

this is the kind of commitment i expect when i ask people to pursuade me to read their fave books!! to be honest i’m a little ashamed i haven’t read these books yet, i think i’m gonna look for the wilson translations next time i’m at the store! i was more interested in her versions because i’ve heard she is a more accurate translation, and doesn’t include some misogynistic tones that the other previous translators have, and that she gives more agency to the women? i’m not sure, i have enjoyed the snippets i’ve read! i think i’ll also look for the fitzgerald translations if i can find them second hand!!!!!