Which excerpts contain examples of epic similes? Select 3 options.

Question

"…its crackling roots blazed and hissed –
as a blacksmith plunges a glowing ax or adze
in an ice-cold bath and the metal screeches steam
and its temper hardens – that's the iron's strength –
so the eye of Cyclops sizzled round that stake."
Or are you wandering rogues, who cast your lives
like dice, and ravage other folk by sea?'
Then he dismembered them and made his meal,
gaping and crunching like a mountain lion—
everything: innards, flesh, and marrow bones.
When the young Dawn with finger tips of rose
lit up the world, the Cyclops built a fire
and milked his handsome ewes, all in due order, putting the sucklings to the mothers.

Answer 1

The excerpts that contain examples of epic similes are:

1. "…its crackling roots blazed and hissed –
   as a blacksmith plunges a glowing ax or adze
   in an ice-cold bath and the metal screeches steam
   and its temper hardens – that's the iron's strength –
   so the eye of Cyclops sizzled round that stake."

2. "gaping and crunching like a mountain lion—
   everything: innards, flesh, and marrow bones."

3. "When the young Dawn with finger tips of rose
   lit up the world..."

The first and second excerpts are clear examples of epic similes, making comparisons that are extended and elaborative. The third excerpt uses a simile ("like"), which is less extended than typical epic similes but still qualifies as a figurative comparison.