Karna

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A prominent character in Hindu mythology known for his valor and loyalty, often depicted as a tragic hero in the epic Mahabharata
2. A skilled archer and warrior, celebrated for his unwavering friendship and complex moral dilemmas during the Kurukshetra War
3. The son of the sun god and a key figure in ancient Indian literature, embodying themes of fate, honor, and sacrifice

Etymology: Karna is the name of one of the Mahabharata's most tragic warriors, and the name itself is an ordinary Sanskrit word meaning "ear" (कर्ण, karṇa). The epic gives a memorable reason for it: Karna was born with armour and earrings attached to his body, and his name is tied to that unusual birth. In English the name is simply a transliteration of the Sanskrit, so its spelling reflects a direct borrowing of the Devanagari original rather than a translation into English. Because the name arrived in English through transliteration, it kept its Sanskrit sound and meaning rather than being adapted into a familiar English word. The character himself, a son of the sun god Surya and the princess Kunti, is remembered as a generous warrior who fought loyally for the Kauravas despite his unjust treatment by the Pandavas' side.