epic simile

a simile developed over several lines of verse, esp. one used in an epic poem. Also called Homeric simile.

[1940-45]

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▪ figure of speech

also called  Homeric simile 

      an extended simile often running to several lines, used typically in epic poetry to intensify the heroic stature of the subject and to serve as decoration. An example from the Iliad follows:

As when the shudder of the west wind suddenly rising scatters across the water,

and the water darkens beneath it, so darkening were settled the ranks of Achaians and Trojans in the plain.

      and

But swift Aias the son of Oïleus would not at all now take his stand apart from Telamonian Aias,

not even a little; but as two wine-coloured oxen straining

with even force drag the compacted plough through the fallow land,

and for both of them at the base of the horns the dense sweat gushes;

only the width of the polished yoke keeps a space between them

as they toil down the furrow till the share cuts the edge of the ploughland;

so these took their stand in battle, close to each other.

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