Epic Simile | Definition & Examples

An epic simile is an elaborate comparison that can extend across several lines in an epic poem. Such complex comparisons were typically used in epic poetry to emphasize heroic deeds and provide the audience with a mental image of the scenes and characters.

It is also known as Homeric simile because the Greek poet Homer used them extensively in the Iliad and the Odyssey.

What is an epic simile?

An epic simile is a figure of speech that contains an elaborate comparison of two unlike things and extends over several lines of verse. We encounter them especially in epic poems—lengthy narrative poems recounting heroic deeds of the past.

Epic similes typically compared the actions of a hero to the action of an animal or force of nature that the audience was familiar with. They were usually introduced by “as,” “just as,” or “like,” while the phrase “that’s how” indicated the second part of the comparison. In the previous example, Paris’s reaction to Menelaus facing him in battle is compared to someone who sees a snake and jumps back in fear.

While epic similes originated in ancient literary works, the style and structure of epic similes can also be found in other works, including John Milton’s Paradise Lost and J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

How to identify an epic simile

Although there is no hard and fast rule for deciding whether or not a particular simile qualifies as an “epic” one, there are some characteristics that set it apart:

• Length: Unlike a regular simile, which is a brief comparison typically consisting of one or two lines, an epic simile is an extended comparison that can elaborate on the relationship between the two subjects over several lines. However, there is no set rule regarding the exact number of lines.
• Subjects: Epic similes compare grand or heroic actions to natural phenomena, animals, and everyday activities, like farming or weaving—subjects that the audience was familiar with.
• Detail: An epic simile goes beyond comparing two things; it explores the comparison in depth, creating a more immersive experience for the reader.

More than just an aesthetic addition, an epic simile adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the main narrative.

Function of epic simile

Even though these intricate descriptions may feel cumbersome to modern readers, they were vital to enhancing the narrative and engaging ancient audiences. More specifically, epic similes:

• Provide pauses from the action. Epic similes often occur at the peak of the action, momentarily drawing the audience away from it. While this may seem counterintuitive as similes interrupt the story’s development, they offer the audience a much-needed break from constant action. This creates variety and allows listeners or readers to reflect on the intensity of the moment.
• Invoke familiar situations. Epic poems recount extraordinary events, including battles between heroes and gods, experiences not familiar to everyone in the audience. By comparing the behavior of a character or group in the story to some other everyday phenomenon (e.g., a river or a wild boar), epic similes make these events more relatable.
• Create vivid imagery. Together with personification and metaphors, epic similes paint a mental image of scenes and characters, enabling audiences to visualize the scenes and characters more clearly. This helps audiences, especially in oral traditions, to connect with the abstract or complex situations described and become emotionally involved in the story.
• Add poetic depth. Epic similes transform straightforward actions into lyrical and symbolic experiences. For example, rather than simply stating that Patroclus kills Sarpedon with a powerful blow, the simile compares the strike to the force required to fell an oak. This comparison adds emotional depth and significance to the scene, elevating it from a mere fight to a poetic moment and adding layers of meaning and emotional impact.

Epic simile examples

In this epic simile, Homer compares the transformation of Odysseus’ appearance by the goddess Athena to the skillful work of an artisan. Here, the epic simile is combined with a regular simile (“like the immortal gods”) for added effect.

Epic similes are often used to illustrate the emotional state of a character, such as anger or grief. In the following lines, Achilles laments for Patroclus among his men; Homer illustrates this with a powerful image from the natural world: a lion, whose cubs were stolen by a hunter, is grieved and tracks the man with bitter anger.

J.R.R. Tolkien frequently employs epic similes in The Lord of the Rings, drawing on his deep knowledge of classical and medieval literature. After Sauron’s downfall, the creatures under his command scatter in disarray just like ants do after their queen dies. The style and structure closely mirror classic epic similes.

Frequently asked questions about epic simile

What is the difference between an epic simile and a regular simile?

An epic simile is a detailed comparison between two unlike things spanning several lines in a poem or text. It typically draws a parallel between an action or event and a familiar image from the natural word or everyday life. This technique helps the audience visualize what is happening in the story and engage with it on an emotional level.

In contrast, a regular simile is a brief, simple comparison indicated by the words “like” or “as,” such as “He eats like a bird.”