Short Story on Karna Meets his End in English for Kids

The Mahabharata is one of the most recognisable texts in Indian culture. It contains every human emotion and is very relatable for most people. Karna, in particular, is a fascinating character. He is known for his generosity and commitment to duty or “dharma”. Ultimately, Karna dies because of six previous curses that affect him simultaneously during the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. However, Karna’s death in the Mahabharata will teach kids that every action that happens in life has some consequence which will have an impact, sooner or later.

Summary of the Story on How “Karna Meets his End” in English

Karna was the half-brother to the Pandavas and was the son of Kunti, and Surya, the Sun God. However, as Kunti abandoned Karna, he was raised by King Dhritarashtra's charioteer, the Kauravas' father. Karna was known to be an icon of generosity and his sense of loyalty and duty. So, as he grew older, he fought for the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra battle.

This story takes place on the battlefield during the war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Karna and Arjuna were arch-rivals.

Because of his talent with the bow and arrow, Karna started single-handedly defeating most of the Pandava army. Arjuna noticed this and instructed Lord Krishna, his charioteer, to proceed towards Karna. Karna had previously fought Arjuna’s son and had killed him. Arjuna exclaimed loudly that he would avenge his son’s death.

However, before Arjuna could reach Karna, he was challenged by Karna’s son, Vrishasena. Arjuna launched his arrows towards Vrishasena and slayed him. Karna mourned his son’s death and shed sorrowfully before advancing towards Arjuna in battle.

When the duel began, both archers invoked various heavenly weapons to attack the other’s army. All the astras wreaked havoc on the other’s armies. Encouraged by Krishna and the rest of the Pandavas, Arjuna invoked the Brahmastra, which the Bhargava weapon launched by Karna countered. As the two were equally matched in strength, the battle continued.

However, Karna had multiple curses on him due to his previous actions. Krishna knew that Karna was invincible. But Krishna also knew that he was a generous soul. So, before the war, Krishna advised Lord Indra to disguise himself as a poor Brahmin and ask Karna for his invincible kavach and kundals. Unaware of this, Karna gave away his invincible armour and earrings to the Brahmin without hesitating.

Karna had also incurred a curse from the earth goddess that the earth would swallow his chariot wheel when he most needed it. True to form, Karna’s chariot wheel sunk into the earth. As his charioteer refused to help Karna lift it off the earth, Karna stepped down the chariot himself to lift it.

As Arjuna was attacking, Karna forgot how to utilise the Brahmastra. Lord Parshuram had previously cursed Karna that he would be unable to remember the incantations to the astra when he needed it the most. At that moment, Karna begged Arjuna to follow the rules of honourable warfare and not attack. However, Lord Krishna reminded Arjuna of Karna’s dishonourable actions. Karna was ashamed and said nothing in response. At that point, Arjuna launched the Anjalika weapon towards Karna. The mighty weapon pierced Karna’s neck, and then Karna lay on the battlefield.

Karna when the Wheel of his Chariot Sunk into the Ground

Some Morals from “Karna Meets His End” Story 

The most important moral to understand in this story is that what goes around comes around. Karna’s generosity and loyalty meant he would achieve salvation in his next life. But all the curses that he had incurred would eventually be the cause of his death. It is also important to understand that sometimes, we have no control over what happens to us. Karna tried his best to follow his dharma, but ultimately he could not control his outcome. This may be a moral complexity that older kids might be more suitable to understand.

Note to Parents 

This is a very complex story for children to understand in the first read. So, parents should take care to properly explain each portion of the story to the child. Generally, children enjoy most stories which have a clear hero and a clear villain. But as this story explores the flaws in humanity, the parents should try to relate the characters flaws with the flaws that every person has. They should also emphasise the importance of good qualities like loyalty and kindness in a person. This story will increase the interest of children in ancient epics also.

Conclusion

However, Karna was unable to die. At that point, to secure the victory for the Pandavas, Lord Krishna disguised himself as a Brahmin and asked Karna to donate his punya (or virtue). Karna donated it to the Brahmin and then was unable to achieve moksha (salvation), which is why Karna went to hell. Lord Krishna then tells Karna that in his next life, he will be reborn as a true devotee, and will reach moksha.