A viper (Simile)
The river is likened to a coiling viper. The author writes, "If you could fly above it, see it as the birds see it, this channel (which is not a river because it flows the wrong way, but you may see this as part of its magic), coils like a viper." As the monster flies above the skies, she sees a river with several bends forming coils that resemble a snake (viper).
Artemis (simile)
Métis, like other monsters, fear the punishment of the goddess. However, she says that even though she is unarmed as Artemis, she is prepared to defend herself. The author writes, "But Métis was better prepared than most, even though she was not armed with arrows like Artemis." The simile is important because it reminds readers of the Greek mythology of the dark forces that protected the mysterious creatures during an attack.
The snake-haired Gorgon (Metaphor)
"The snake-haired Gorgon" is a metaphor signifying the new powers of Medusa. Initially a mortal character, Medusa is later punished by Athene by converting her into a monster. Ironically, Medusa turns out to be the deadliest and most powerful monster that even threatens the authority of the goddess of wisdom. As a result, Athene discovers her mistake and works in the background with her confidants to kill Medusa.
