CHOICES ARE EVERYTHING. A key character in the Mahabharata story is Karna. The 'tragic hero' of the story. Without getting into the details of his origin story, it is important to know these things about Karna. He was widely considered to be an even more powerful warrior than Arjuna. Unlike the princes, he was brought up by a charioteer. His 'peasant' upbringing was made null & void by Duryodhana, who crowned Karna the King of Angas (modern-day Bengal). Since Duryodhana elevated Karna's status, Karna vowed to be a life long friend to him. Knowing fully well that Duryodhana was not an ethical human being. Karna, on the other hand, was noble and just. But in the Mahabharata war, an event which pitted good against evil... Karna chose the side of evil. Because of his past promises. Eventually, Karna is killed by Arjuna in the war. Without getting into the details of his death, here is a key lesson. Right before his soul leaves his body, Krish