Karna
Indian mythology · hero · generosity, loyalty, tragic fate
Son of Surya and Kunti, abandoned at birth and raised by a charioteer. Scorned by the princes, befriended by Duryodhana, he fought his own brothers out of loyalty and died when his chariot wheel sank, the epic's great tragic figure.
Stories
The Marriage of Draupadi
Drupada's contest demands a shot no ordinary archer can make: five arrows through a revolving fish's eye seen only in reflection. Disguised as a brahmin, Arjuna makes it while Karna is refused a chance; by Kunti's unwitting word, Draupadi becomes wife to all five brothers.
Kunti's Secret
On the eve of war Kunti goes to the enemy's greatest warrior and tells Karna the truth: he is her firstborn, son of Surya, brother of the men he has sworn to kill. He refuses to switch sides, but grants her this: whatever happens, she will still have five sons.
Karna's Wheel
The final duel of the war: Karna against Arjuna, brother against unknowing brother. When Karna's chariot wheel sinks into the earth, he pleads the code of arms while he frees it. Krishna reminds Arjuna of the code that died with Abhimanyu, and the arrow flies.