Thirukkural 774 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கைவேல் களிற்றொடு போக்கி வருபவன்
மெய்வேல் பறியா நகும்.
Transliteration
Kaivel Kalitrotu Pokki Varupavan
Meyvel Pariyaa Nakum
Modern English
“The warrior who has used his weapon keeps fighting by pulling another from his own wound.”
Modern Interpretation
The warrior who has used his weapon keeps fighting by pulling another from his own wound. The image praises fierce resilience in the face of pain. For example, after a serious setback, a determined person may recover, learn from it, and return to finish an important responsibility.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The warrior who has used his weapon keeps fighting by pulling another from his own wound.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
At the tusker he flings his lance One in body smiles another chance
G.U. Pope Translation
At elephant he hurls the dart in hand; for weapon pressed,He laughs and plucks the javelin from his wounded breast
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The hero who after casting the lance in his hand on an elephant, comes (in search of another) will pluck the one (that sticks) in his body and laugh (exultingly)
Tamil commentary
தன்னை எதிர்த்து வந்த யானையின் மீது தன் கையிலிருந்த வேலை எறிந்து விட்டவன், அடுத்து வருகி்ன்ற யானை மீது எறிவதற்காகத் தன் மார்பில் பதிந்து நின்ற வேலைப் பறித்துக் கொண்டே மகிழ்வான்.
Chapter 78
More from Military Spirit
படைச் செருக்கு
Stand not before my chief, O foes! Many who stood, in stones repose
Kural 772To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare
Kural 773Valour is fight with fierce courage Mercy to the fallen is its edge
Kural 774At the tusker he flings his lance One in body smiles another chance
Kural 775When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think
Kural 776The brave shall deem the days as vain Which did not battle-wounds sustain
Kural 777Their anklets aloud jingle their name Who sacrifice their life for fame
Kural 778The king may chide, they pursue strife; They fear loss of glory; not life
Kural 779Who will blame the heroes that lose Their lives in war to keep their vows?
Kural 780Such a death shall be prayed for Which draws the the tears of the ruler