Kural #769
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Tamil text
சூரர்கள் சூரனைச் சூரரல்லர்
எதிரார் அஞ்சார் அதனால்
Cūrarkaḷ cūraṉaic cūrarrallar
Etirār añcār ataṉāl
English translation
Warriors call one a warrior only if enemies fear that person; otherwise, they are not deemed brave.
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Explanation
True valor is recognized by the terror it inspires in adversaries. Among soldiers, bravery is not self-proclaimed but validated by the fear one instills in opponents.
விளக்கம்
சூரராவார் எதிரிகள் பயந்தால் தான். தைரியம் எதிரியால் உணரப்படணும். சுயதம்பட்டம் வீரம் ஆகாது. படைமாட்சி அதிகாரத்தில், இது வீரத்தின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை சொல்லுது.
Word meanings
- சூரர்கள்cūrarkaḷwarriors/brave ones
- சூரன்cūraṉwarrior/brave person
- ஐaito/as
- சூரர்cūrarwarriors
- அல்லர்allarare not
- எதிரார்etirārenemies/opponents
- அஞ்சார்añcārfear/do not fear
- அதனால்ataṉālbecause of that
Story behind this kural
The village of Eldoria was often threatened by bandits. Many men claimed to be brave, boasting loudly in the tavern. One, named Kael, was particularly boastful. He’d regale anyone who’d listen with tales of his imagined victories. Then, the bandits attacked. Kael charged forward, yelling, sword raised. But as the bandits advanced, they simply laughed and sidestepped him. Kael flailed about, a comical figure. Anya, a woman known for her quiet strength, stood her ground. She met the bandits' gaze, her expression unwavering. The bandits hesitated, sensing something formidable. They conferred, then, surprisingly, retreated. Later, the villagers gathered. They praised Anya, but barely mentioned Kael. He stood silently, his boastful words now empty. Anya, however, remained humble, offering no commentary. The true measure of courage had been revealed.