Now with the squadrons marshaled, captains leading each,
the Trojans came with cries and the din of war like wildfowl
when the long hoarse cries of cranes sweep on against the sky
and the great formations flee from winter’s grim ungodly storms,
flying in force, shrieking south to the Ocean gulfs, speeding
blood and death to the Pygmy warriors, launching at daybreak
savage battle down upon their heads. But Achaea’s armies
came on strong in silence, breathing combat-fury,
hearts ablaze to defend each other to the death.
– Homer
The Iliad, Book 3, lines 1-9. Using animal imagery, Homer is suggesting here that the Trojan forces are disadvantaged in comparison to the Achaean armies. Words like "din," "cries," "hoarse," and shreiking" paint a picture of chaos and disorganization. The Achaean armies on the other hand are silent, disciplined and ready to defend each other to the death. Homer uses a beautiful epic simile to liken the Trojan soldiers to a flock of shrieking cranes, and a fire metaphor to describe the blazing hearts of the Achaean armies.