Posted by rotassator
May 30, 2008 7:38 am

Replies (6)

Posted by

• This is the same problem as with Bulfinch's Mythology. In the introduction to that book there is a passage that says:
  
  "...as our object is to make familiar the stores of general English literature which refer to such subjects, we shall retain, in general, the Latin names"
  
  I grew up with E.V. Rieu's excellent translation of the Iliad and Odyssey so I share your frustration at the Romanised names.
  
  One you missed off your list is:
  
  Mars = Ares
  
  and one that stays the same is Apollo who was called Apollo by the Greeks and Romans.

  Jun 2, 2008 9:10 am
  by cresswga

• there is nothing difficult about its reading if you have some understanding of greek culture!the plot revolves around main characters so don't bother about minor characters then your reading will move in a smooth manner!trust it!

  Feb 20, 2009 12:53 pm
  by meenakshi

• I would have to agree with Rotassator and Cresswga. We're doing a mythology unit in school and we're using Mythology by Edith Hamilton which keeps switching between the Greek and Roman names. It's terribly confusing but I'm starting to get a little bit better distinguishing them and matching them up.
  
  I've found reading it with a list of all the names to be helpful, but I suppose you already figured that out, Rotassator.

  Mar 19, 2009 3:25 pm
  by books

• Does anyone know who the translator is?

  Jul 31, 2009 4:10 pm
  by fbales

• @fbales: The version on DailyLit was translated by Samuel Butler.

  Aug 2, 2009 11:23 am
  by MaggieH (admin)

• Well you won't have to I report with the name of my cocker spaniel ;) named Phidias! My last cocker had a Greek name Pliny the Younger, so I thought a Hellenist name would be appropriate!

  Aug 21, 2009 8:27 pm
  by elliott57

• More about The Iliad:

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