Sunday, April 17, 2011

The Wrath of Achilles Translation

 This is my translation for "The Wrath of Achilles." Please just use it as a guide for your translation.

Achilles was not only a brave and powerful man, but he was also son of the goddess Thetis. He [that one] had come to Troy with Agamemnon and other Greeks and had waged a long and difficult war.  But now after nine years sharp anger moved him; for Agamemnon had taken for himself a captive woman dear to him.  And so Achilles called his own mother "Help me." In the sea, Thetis heard him and ran to him.  "I understand your views, my sweet son," she said. 
All Greeks ought to hold you in great honor; in fact, without you, they would not be able to conquer the Trojans.  Consider these things: if you shall now flee from this war; there will be little glory for you, but a long; if, however, you shall remain in this place, you will come upon great glory, but you will lose your life. O happy mother, be of good heart! said Achilles. Life is short for all men.  I myself do not fear a swift life.  I shall remain in this place, but since huge anger holds me, I shall not wage war.  How great is the strength of anger!