Epic Similes in The Iliad and Their Influences

In a spectacular way,the large number of epic similes found in The Iliad contributes to the sublime and grand style of the epic.As comparisons are made by drawing materials from rich resources of natural phenomena and objects or working activities and daily engagements in the life of ancient Greeks.These epic similes are of a highly aesthetic taste,for they appear to be wild and primitive,masculine and powerful,rich in flavor of life and deep in human touch.Because of these qualities and its strong narrative function,the epic simile has established itself as a tradition,which has been well carried on into later epics in the West.