Theme 1 – “Invented” poetic lines are common
Many users point out that several hallmark phrases in English Odyssey translations are not literal but were invented to create a poetic effect.
“wine dark sea” is a poetic/literary leap by Chapman and Pope that then became a functional convention in most subsequent translations.
— AlanYx
Theme 2 – Preference for literalist translations
The discussion is dominated by a desire for translations that stay close to the Greek wording, with several readers praising Lattimore (and sometimes Fagles) over more interpretive versions.
“man of many turns” sounds closer to the original than Wilson’s “complicated man,” but neither sounds made up.
— oliculipolicula
Theme 3 – Translation is a matter of audience and style, not pure fidelity
Contributors stress that “faithful” can mean different things—literal accuracy versus evoking the original vibe—and that translators often choose language that suits modern readers.
“It does seem like Nolan's adaptation would be not be popular with you or your schoolmates. But a screenplay based off Fagles' might have a chance.”
— oliculipolicula