The Iliad of Homer

¶ … Homeric Similes

In "Book Three," lines 2-7 describe the way in which the Trojans attack the Achaian men. Homer compares the Trojan Army's attack to the impassioned flight of wild birds, particularly cranes, as they flee the winter. Homer evokes the image of the cranes' beating wings as they wing their way farther upwards into the sky. The cranes' frenzied flight is explicitly compared to the destructive force of the Trojan Army.

The effect of the comparison is to present the Trojan Army as an unstoppable and violent force of nature. Within the description are words that connote violence and chaos: "clamour" (3.2); "unceasing" (3.4); and "baleful" (3.7). The Trojan Army brings this violence and chaos to its opponents on the battlefield. However, a flock of birds working in concert also possesses symmetry and synchronization, much as the Trojan Army does. The Trojan Army is able to function as a unit, even though it is comprised of individuals, much as a flock of cranes functions as an effective whole.

B. In "Book Three," lines 21-27, Homer describes Menelaos' reaction to seeing Alexandros fighting for the Trojan Army. Alexandros is a great warrior, and he possesses several items that attest to his prowess, specifically a leopard's hide and several powerful and beautiful weapons. Menelaos, despite Alexandros' obvious strength and power, sees the other man as prey, much as a wild animal would view a less powerful wild animal. The comparison itself draws a parallel between Menelaos' thoughts about Alexandros and the way in which a hungry lion would hungrily size up the carcass of a dead deer.

The effect of the comparison is to characterize Menelaos as brutal, bloodthirsty, and confident. Menelaos does not seem to feel fear as he surveys Alexandros. On the contrary, he sees Alexandros as his future victim. The comparison of Menelaos to a wild animal, particularly a lion, is appropriate in view of the violence that will come during the battle.

C. This passage describes Paris as he prepares for battle by putting on his beautiful bronze armor. Paris leaves his home with such eagerness and energy that Homer compares him to a well-fed, well-groomed horse that has broken free after having been limited by the restraints of the stable and the bridle. The horse described in the simile is powerful and beautiful; it "gallops over the plain in thunder" (6.507) to reach a lovely body of water.

The horse's gallop to the "sweet-running river" (6.508) gives the impression of a journey to reach a wonderful and pure goal. The effect of this comparison is it imbue Paris' goal of victory with nobility. Paris is also, via the comparison with the magnificent horse, characterized as a being of beauty and power, filled with joy for the journey. However, the horse in the simile is also prideful and a bit impetuous in its journey to the watering place, and this comparison is tacitly offered of Paris. The overall effect of the simile is to create excitement and anticipation in the reader similar to that experienced by the horse and by Paris.

D.

In this passage, Achilleus speaks to Patroklos using "winged words" (16.6), words that are intended to uplift Patroklos from his grief. In the simile, Achilleus compares Patroklos' grieving to the whining and mewling of a little girl who chases her mother, pleading to be held and comforted.

The child Achilleus describes in the simile is a weak, pathetic creature. The child "clings" (16.9) and prevents her mother from making any forward progress. The child manipulates her mother with tears to get what she wants, which is to be carried. Achilleus caps off the comparison by saying that Patroklos is very much like the girl-child he describes as he weeps.

Achilleus' simile serves a dual purpose. First, Achilleus shames Patroklos by comparing him to a child, and not just to any child, but to a girl-child. There could be no worse insult to a warrior than to be compared to a little girl crying to her mother. The comparison is humiliating to Patroklos. However, Achilleus may also be trying to motivate Patroklos with his words. The overt insult serves as a covert call to action.

E.

This passage compares the fearsome Achilleus as he sweeps over the land in battle to the brightly shining star of autumn, or more specifically, to "Orion's Dog" (22.29) or the dog star, which is a star of bad luck to come. Priam makes this observation in his mind and worries furiously about the well-being of his sons as they are about to face Achilleus.

The comparison of a celestial body to Achilleus inspires dread and awe. Achilleus is both beautiful and frightening to behold, just as Orion's Dog is. The star is lovely and bright, but its presence is a bad omen for everyone. Achilleus is quite similar to the star of autumn; he possesses masculine perfection, but he is also the bringer of death.

F. In "Book Twenty-Two," lines 410-411 describe the horrible desecration of Hector's body after he is killed. Hector is dragged behind a chariot, and his family (particularly his mother) is horrified to the point of tearing out her own hair. The simile itself compares the destruction of Hector's body to the destruction of Ilion by fire. This simile communicates the high regard with which Hector is regarded by the people, and it also communicates the way in which Hector's death has left them bereft and feeling as if they have no home, physical or spiritual. The simile transmits grief and hopelessness.