A Homeric simile usually begins with “as” or “like.” Homer compares the actions of warriors or gods with things from nature and human life. For example, Achilles fighting in battle is compared to a raging fire. The Greek army is compared to waves of the sea. A strong warrior is compared to a hungry lion among weaker animals. These images make the picture of war very strong and easy to understand.

Homer also compares great battles with simple daily work. Soldiers are compared to farmers cutting crops or hunters chasing animals. These pictures connect the heroic world with common life. Readers of that time could easily imagine such scenes. Even modern readers can feel the power of these images.

The use of similes also slows down the fast action. It gives readers time to think and reflect. It adds beauty and rhythm to the poem. Homer shows his deep knowledge of nature and human life through these comparisons.

Homeric similes make The Iliad more real and human. They join the heroic and the common in one picture. They are proof of Homer’s great skill as a poet.