What does Creon compare "hard minds" to in regards to stubbornness?

Creon compares "hard minds" to fire-tempered iron to emphasize the idea that stubbornness can lead to an unyielding and inflexible nature. Fire-tempered iron is known for its durability and resistance to bending or breaking, symbolizing how a person's obstinate mindset can create barriers to understanding and cooperation. This analogy serves to illustrate the dangers of inflexibility in leadership and personal beliefs, suggesting that such rigidity can ultimately lead to one's downfall or destruction. In the context of "Antigone," Creon's refusal to relent on his edicts, despite the consequences, highlights the tragic implications of such stubbornness. Other options, while they may imply strength or durability, do not convey the same complex relationship between hard-headedness and the potential for harm in the face of adversity.