Ep 9. Son of the Sun
- 3 min
The Mahabharata season 1 episode 9, titled "Son of the Sun," follows the story of Karna as he faces challenges and struggles on his journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.
Karna, born to Kunti as a result of a boon granted by the Sun God, is often ostracized and subjected to discrimination because of his low birth. However, he grows up to become a fierce warrior, skilled in archery and swordsmanship. In this episode, we see Karna participating in a tournament organized by Dronacharya, the guru of the Kuru princes, to showcase his agility and strength. Despite being worthy of winning the tournament, Karna faces rejection from Dronacharya due to his low birth status.
The episode then delves deeper into Karna's past, shedding light on his relationship with his foster brother, Duryodhana. Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kuru princes and heir to the throne, sees Karna as his close confidant and friend, recognizing his worth and talent. However, their friendship is marred by the persistent discrimination against Karna, who is ridiculed and insulted by others in the palace.
As Karna struggles to come to terms with his identity and seek acceptance, he encounters the Pandavas, the other group of princes from the Kuru dynasty. Despite their animosity towards each other, Karna is impressed by their courage and valor in battle. This encounter triggers a sense of introspection in Karna, who begins to question his allegiance to Duryodhana and his place in the larger scheme of things.
The episode ends on a poignant note as Karna is forced to make a difficult choice between his loyalty towards Duryodhana and his sense of belonging among the Pandavas. The audience is left with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in Karna's journey towards self-discovery.
Overall, "Son of the Sun" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged episode that delves deep into the complex character of Karna. It explores themes of discrimination, identity, and loyalty, all the while showcasing the rich cultural heritage and mythology of India.
