Karna – A summary

Karna is a major character in the Indian epic poem, the Mahabharata. He is the son of Surya, the sun god, and Kunti, who was married to Pandu, the king of Hastinapura.

Karna’s birth and childhood are shrouded in mystery and controversy. According to the Mahabharata, Kunti, who was still a maiden at the time, invoked Surya and was granted a son. Ashamed of having a child out of wedlock, she abandoned him in a basket on a river. Karna was then raised by Adhiratha, a charioteer, and his wife Radha, who found him and raised him as their own. Karna was raised as a charioteer’s son and never knew of his true parentage.

Despite his humble origins, Karna grew up to be a skilled warrior and archer. He became the closest friend and advisor of Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas, and a rival of the Pandavas, the five sons of Pandu. Karna supported Duryodhana’s bid for the throne of Hastinapura and fought on the side of the Kauravas in the great war of the Mahabharata.

Karna was a brave and powerful warrior, and many of the Pandavas were afraid of him. His skill as an archer was unmatched and he was able to fight on equal footing with Arjuna, the Pandavas’ chief warrior and considered the greatest archer of his age.

Despite his loyalty to the Kauravas, Karna had a deep sense of honor and was known for his generosity. He was also known for his compassion for the poor and for his charity.

Karna had a tragic end as he was betrayed by his own brothers,the Kauravas, and ultimately killed by Arjuna, but not before being reveal his true identity as Kunti’s eldest son. Kunti reveal his true identity to try to stop the war, but it was in vain.

In conclusion, Karna was an interesting character in the Mahabharata, with a complex and tragic story. He was the son of a god and a mortal, and although he was raised in humble circumstances, he grew up to be a skilled warrior and a respected leader. Despite his loyalty to the Kauravas and his role in the great war, he was known for his sense of honor and compassion.

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