Literary notes about hardy (AI summary)
The word "hardy" has long been a versatile descriptor in literature, evoking images of strength, resilience, and robust character across varied contexts. In heroic and epic narratives, it vividly characterizes valiant warriors and steadfast soldiers, as seen in Arthurian tales and Homer's epics where "hardy men" and "hardy warriors" are celebrated for their enduring courage [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. At the same time, authors have applied the term to nature, highlighting plants and trees that withstand harsh climates, a usage apparent in discussions of nut trees and chestnuts [6], [7], [8]. Moreover, "hardy" sometimes leaves its mark as a subtle personal identifier or ironic quip—occasionally emerging as part of a name [9], [10] or even a solitary utterance meant to capture a moment's spirit [11], [12]. This diverse employment underscores the word's evolution, serving both as a literal testament to physical endurance and a nuanced metaphor for inner resolve.
- And so they had afore them a strong passage, yet were they fifty thousand of hardy men.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - Her hardy heroes from the well-fought plains Nor fear withholds, nor shameful sloth detains: 'Tis heaven, alas!
— from The Iliad by Homer - Achilles speeds from tent to tent, and warms His hardy Myrmidons to blood and arms.
— from The Iliad by Homer - The hardy warriors whom Boeotia bred, Penelius, Leitus, Prothoenor, led: With these Arcesilaus and Clonius stand, Equal in arms, and equal in command.
— from The Iliad by Homer - The king of men his hardy host inspires With loud command, with great example fires!
— from The Iliad by Homer - For people who like to see things growing, there are few projects that yield more genuine satisfaction than hardy-adapted varieties of nut trees.
— from Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 44th Annual Meeting - Chinese chestnuts are not entirely hardy and grow very slowly.
— from Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 44th Annual Meeting - They do not appear to be winter hardy.
— from Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 44th Annual Meeting - Hardy happened along and tried to rescue the negro; there was a struggle, and the constable did not come out of it alive.
— from What Is Man? and Other Essays by Mark Twain - He talked to John Hardy in the office of the Winesburg Savings Bank and then the two men went to the house on Elm Street to talk with Louise.
— from Winesburg, Ohio: A Group of Tales of Ohio Small Town Life by Sherwood Anderson - Hardy.
— from English Literature by William J. Long - —Hardy.
— from An Advanced English Grammar with Exercises by Frank Edgar Farley and George Lyman Kittredge
