The term 'Homeric simile' is used to refer to a type of extended metaphor used in epic poetry, particularly in the works of Homer. These similes compare heroic or mythical events to everyday objects or experiences, often using lengthy descriptions to build up a vivid image in the reader's mind. Other terms that are sometimes used to describe this technique include 'heroic comparisons', 'epic similes', and 'Homer's elaborate metaphors'. While these all reference the same literary device, they can help to convey the different contexts, histories, and interpretations that surround this common feature of epic poetry.