Thirukkural 778 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
உறின்உயிர் அஞ்சா மறவர் இறைவன்
செறினும் சீர்குன்றல் இலர்.
Transliteration
Urinuyir Anjaa Maravar Iraivan
Serinum Seerkundral Ilar
Modern English
“A fearless warrior does not lose his courage when danger comes, even if a ruler tries to hold him back.”
Modern Interpretation
A fearless warrior does not lose his courage when danger comes, even if a ruler tries to hold him back. The couplet celebrates steadfast commitment to duty. For example, a trained caregiver may remain ready to help during a crisis, while still following lawful and responsible instructions.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
A fearless warrior does not lose his courage when danger comes, even if a ruler tries to hold him back.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The king may chide, they pursue strife; They fear loss of glory; not life
G.U. Pope Translation
Fearless they rush where'er 'the tide of battle rolls';The king's reproof damps not the ardour of their eager souls
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The heroes who are not afraid of losing their life in a contest will not cool their ardour, even if the king prohibits (their fighting)
Tamil commentary
போர் வந்தால் தம் உயிர்க்கு அஞ்சாது செல்லும் வீரர், அப்போரை வேண்டா என்று அரசு சினந்து தடுத்தாலும், தம் வீரத்தில் குறைய மாட்டார்.
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