What is an epic similie

it intensifies the heroic stature of the subject and to serve as decoration.

Explanation:

for example “…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.”