[Mithfânion]

Who has read it and what did you think?

I enjoyed the Odyssey as an interesting adventure story and for the sense of myth but wasn't mindboggled or greatly impressed.

What is the Iliad like? Is it purely a war story (not that I don't go for that ) ? What sort of stuff does it include, without being too spoilerish? Is it written in the same style as the Odyssey?

Also, what version would you recommend? I've seen good reviews for the Robert Fagles on sofar.
I might buy it in Dutch, seeing as this is already a translation even in English and therefore I can't read it in its original language anyway.

[This message has been edited by Mithfânion (edited March 03, 2002).]

[SusF]

The Illiad is the war itself, but a lot more goes on than just fighting. The preparation for war is pretty good. Oddyseus tries to sneak out of it, because he does not want to leave Ithaca.

Not sure about Fagles translation. I have Robert Fitzpatrick's translation. I prefer to read poetry translations rather than prose, since they are closer to the epic style. Though I do not know if Fagles is poetry or prose, it's just that I have the Fitzpatrick translation.

The Illiad coveres everyone in the war from both sides and the gods who take sides. The Oddessy is a one man show, focusing on Oddysseus's journey home.

It's a good read. Go for it!

Susan