Simile, by Willing Jim

"This was all childishness, for at the gates
They found two of Greece's finest warriors,
Lapith spearmen, one a son of Peirithous,
Polypoetes by name, and the other,
Leonteus, a match for brutal Ares himself.

They were like a pair of oak trees
Planted before the high gates, these two,
Trees that withstand wind and rain
Day after Day, with roots deep and strong. 

They met Asius' charge without a tremor, 
These two Lapiths, trusting the strength of their hands
To beat off not only Asius but all his men too, 
Who were lifting their leather shields high
Around their warlord and his captains"  Iliad book 12.128-141 (Lombardo translation)


 The Tenor in this simile are the two Lapith spearmen who are holding their ground against overwhelming numbers of attacking Trojans. The vehicle is the oak tree which has stood the test of time and still remains standing despite all that nature tries to throw at it. The effect gives off a slight feeling of impending doom for the Lapith spearmen but overall gives the impression that no matter what happens, the spearmen will hold their ground even if it costs them their lives. 

It also shows the bravery and tenacity of the two Lapiths, because despite their invitation to death they stand their ground so that their brothers-in-arms can have a chance to get ready before Asius' charge slaughters the Greeks. This is interesting since the Lapith were not really heroes perse but just good soldiers, and apparently their ability brought them through the fight and allowed the Greeks time to ready themselves for the Trojan onslaught.