Literary notes about Shield (AI summary)
In literature, the word "shield" carries a rich duality, functioning both as a tangible piece of battle equipment and as a vibrant symbol of protection and identity. In ancient epics, it is portrayed as the literal barrier between life and death, vividly depicted as an essential tool of warfare that defends a hero on the field of battle [1, 2, 3, 4]. In medieval romances and chivalric narratives, the shield often bears intricate heraldic designs that not only mark allegiance and lineage but also serve as a testament to personal honor and worthiness [5, 6, 7]. Moreover, authors extend the term’s reach into the metaphorical realm, using it to evoke emotional safeguarding and the duty to protect others, as when a character's resolve becomes as much a refuge as any physical barrier [8, 9, 10].
- Fair Astur follows in the wat’ry field, Proud of his manag’d horse and painted shield.
— from The Aeneid by Virgil - [pg 365] With towering strides Aeneas first advanced; The nodding plumage on his helmet danced: Spread o'er his breast the fencing shield he bore,
— from The Iliad by Homer - Thrice did Patroclus charge at an angle of the high wall, and thrice did Apollo beat him back, striking his shield with his own immortal hands.
— from The Iliad by Homer - Ajax then came up with his shield before him like a wall, and stood hard by, whereon the Trojans fled in all directions.
— from The Iliad by Homer - The palpable pun upon the name which a shield vairé supplied no doubt affords the origin of the arms of Ferrers.
— from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies - These arms, however, have never been matriculated, which on account of the curious charge upon the shield is very much to be regretted.
— from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies - A Knight Grand Cross, of course, adds his collar to the dexter shield, and if he has supporters, these are placed outside the two shields.
— from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies - “Sir,” said the monk, “this shield should hang from no knight’s neck unless he be the worthiest in the world.
— from The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights by Sir James Knowles and Sir Thomas Malory - He thought of the people, whose shield he was destined to be, and a sharp, redeeming pang pierced his dull heart.
— from Best Russian Short Stories - Observing that Dr. John's attention was much drawn towards her, I entreated him in a low voice "for the love of heaven to shield well his heart.
— from Villette by Charlotte Brontë
