# Thiruvalluvar — The Kural character guide > Thiruvalluvar in The Kural by Thiruvalluvar. **Role:** major **Also known as:** himself, him **First appearance:** 0001-thiruvalluvar ## Snapshot A weaver of Mylapore who chose the loom as the most innocent of trades, then stitched 1,330 couplets that still hold Tamil ethics together. ## Who they are He is the poet at the center of the Kural, a man whose very name means only 'devotee of the valluva caste,' his origins and dates swallowed by tradition. He tested his bride Vâsuki by asking her to cook iron nailheads, and she obeyed without question, sealing a marriage so famously happy that sages came to probe it. When she died he renounced the world, and the verses he left behind carry both the householder's warmth and the ascetic's detachment into every chapter that follows. ## Relationships ### [Dr. Pope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/dr_pope) _professional_ Dr. Pope is a devoted translator and scholar of Thiruvalluvar's work, treating the ancient poet with reverence and intellectual dedication. ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/jesus_christ) _social_ Jesus Christ and Thiruvalluvar are compared as parallel moral teachers, often discussed in terms of shared ethical wisdom. ### [M. Ariel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/m_ariel) _professional_ M. Ariel is a modern scholar or commentator who engages deeply with Thiruvalluvar's text, analyzing its meaning. ### [the Kural](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/the_kural) _psychological_ The Kural is the textual embodiment of Thiruvalluvar's philosophy, representing an almost symbiotic relationship between author and work. ### [Kauṭilya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/kautilya) _rivalry_ Kauṭilya and Thiruvalluvar represent contrasting political and ethical philosophies, with Kauṭilya's realism opposing Thiruvalluvar's moral idealism. ### [Drew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/drew) _social_ Drew has a minor connection to Thiruvalluvar, likely through scholarly or casual reference. ### [Dr. Pope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/dr_pope) _professional_ Dr. Pope is a devoted translator and scholar of Thiruvalluvar's work, treating the ancient poet with reverence and intellectual dedication. ## In the story ### [Thiruvalluvar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/thiruvalluvar) The poet-saint, a weaver by profession, who tested his wife's faith and lived a happy married life until her death, after which he became an ascetic. ### [The Kural](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/the-kural) The Master and author of the Kural, whose work is described as divided into three parts. ### [Part I—Righteousness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-i-righteousness) The author who presents the comprehensive framework of righteousness, covering householder and ascetic virtues. ### [Part II—Wealth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-ii-wealth) Author of the Kural; appears as a consummate statesman and moral teacher in this part. ### [Part III—Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-iii-love) Author of the Kural, depicted as a universal sage whose work spans moral duties, state policy, and love, free from sectarian constraints. ### [The Verse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/the-verse) The author of the Kural, praised for his masterful use of the verse form and literary artistry. ### [Parimêlajahar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/parim-lajahar) Author of the Kural, whose work is illuminated by Parimêlajahar's commentary. ### [The Kural](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/the-kural) Author of the Kural, whose maxims are the subject of the chapter. ### [I: In Praise of the Lord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/i-in-praise-of-the-lord) Author of the Kural, presenting the praise of the Lord. ### [III: The Greatness of Those Who Have Renounced the World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/iii-the-greatness-of-those-who-have-renounced-the-world) Author of the Kural, presenting the chapter on renunciation. ### [Part I: Righteousness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-i-righteousness) The author and central figure whose teachings on righteousness are presented. ### [Section I: The Life of the Householder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-i-the-life-of-the-householder) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on householder life. ### [Family Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/v-family-life) Author of the Kural, presenting the ideals of householder life. ### [VI: The Blessings of a Good Helpmate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/vi-the-blessings-of-a-good-helpmate) The author of the Kural, whose verses in this chapter define the ideal wife and her virtues. ### [VII: Offspring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/vii-offspring) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on the value and duties related to offspring. ### [IX: Hospitality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/ix-hospitality) Author of the Kural verses on hospitality. ### [X: Kindness of Speech](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/x-kindness-of-speech) Author of the Kural verses on kindness of speech. ### [Self-Control](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xiii-self-control) Author of the Kural verses on self-control. ### [XV: Non-Desiring of Another Man’s Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xv-non-desiring-of-another-man-s-wife) Author of the Kural verses on marital fidelity and righteousness. ### [XX: Refraining from Vain Speaking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xx-refraining-from-vain-speaking) Author of the Kural, whose aphorisms on refraining from vain speech are presented. ### [XXI: Fear of Evildoing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxi-fear-of-evildoing) Author of the Kural, presenting moral teachings on the fear of evildoing. ### [Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxiv-glory) Author of the verses on glory. ### [Section II: The Life of the Ascetic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-ii-the-life-of-the-ascetic) Author of the Kural, whose teachings on asceticism and virtue are central to this section. ### [Subdivision A: Discipline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/subdivision-a-discipline) Author of the Kural, whose teachings on discipline are central to this chapter. ### [XXVI: Abjuring of Flesh-Meat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxvi-abjuring-of-flesh-meat) Author of the verses advocating abstention from flesh-meat. ### [XXVII: Tapas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxvii-tapas) Author of the Kural verses on tapas, presenting the doctrine of austerity. ### [XXVIII: Imposture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxviii-imposture) Author of the Kural verses on imposture and hypocrisy. ### [XXX: Truthfulness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxx-truthfulness) The author of the Kural, presenting the teachings on truthfulness. ### [XXXI: Abstaining from Anger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxi-abstaining-from-anger) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on abstaining from anger. ### [XXXII: Non-Injuring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxii-non-injuring) Author of the Kural, presenting the moral precept of non-injuring. ### [Non-Killing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxiii-non-killing) Author of the Kural verses on non-killing ### [Subdivision B: Wisdom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/subdivision-b-wisdom) Author of the Kural, central to the chapter's exploration of wisdom. ### [XXXV: Renunciation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxv-renunciation) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on renunciation. ### [Realisation of the Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxvi-realisation-of-the-truth) Author of the Kural verses on the realisation of truth and liberation from delusion. ### [XXXVII: The Killing of Desire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-killing-of-desire) Author of the Kural, presenting the teaching on desire as the root of rebirth and the path to liberation. ### [Part II: Wealth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-ii-wealth) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on wealth. ### [Section I: The Prince](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-i-the-prince) Author of the Kural, whose teachings on statecraft are referenced. ### [XXXIX: The Qualifications of the Prince](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxix-the-qualifications-of-the-prince) Author of the Kural, presenting the ideal qualities of a prince. ### [Learning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xl-learning) Author of the Kural verses on learning. ### [XLI: The Neglecting of Instruction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xli-the-neglecting-of-instruction) Author of the Kural verses on the value of instruction and the folly of ignorance. ### [XLII: Listening to the Instruction of the Wise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlii-listening-to-the-instruction-of-the-wise) Author of the Kural, whose verses convey the importance of heeding wise instruction. ### [XLIII: The Understanding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xliii-the-understanding) Author of the Kural, whose aphorisms on understanding are presented in this chapter. ### [XLIV: Eschewing of Faults](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xliv-eschewing-of-faults) Author of the Kural, providing moral teachings on eschewing faults. ### [XLV: Courting the Friendship of the Worthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlv-courting-the-friendship-of-the-worthy) Author of the Kural verses on the importance of befriending the worthy. ### [XLVI: Keeping Aloof from Vulgar Company](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlvi-keeping-aloof-from-vulgar-company) Author of the Kural, whose teachings on the influence of company on character and virtue are presented. ### [XLVII: Deliberation Before Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlvii-deliberation-before-action) Author of the Kural verses on deliberation before action. ### [XLVIII: Judging of Strength](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlviii-judging-of-strength) Author of the Kural, providing wisdom on judging strength and self-measure. ### [Judging of Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/l-judging-of-place) Author of the Kural, providing wisdom on military strategy and the importance of terrain. ### [LI: Testing of Men for Confidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/li-testing-of-men-for-confidence) Author of the Kural verses on testing men for confidence. ### [LII: Testing and Employment of Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lii-testing-and-employment-of-men) Author of the Kural verses on testing and employing men. ### [LIII: Cherishing of Kindred](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/liii-cherishing-of-kindred) Author of the Kural, providing wisdom on the value of kindred. ### [LIV: Guarding Against Insouciance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/liv-guarding-against-insouciance) Author of the Kural, providing wisdom on vigilance and caution. ### [LV: Just Government](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lv-just-government) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on just governance. ### [LVII: Abstaining from Deeds That Cause Trepidation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lvii-abstaining-from-deeds-that-cause-trepidation) Author of the Kural, providing counsel on princely conduct. ### [LIX: The Service of Intelligence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lix-the-service-of-intelligence) Author of the Kural; provides counsel on statecraft and the use of intelligence. ### [LXI: Abstention from Sloth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxi-abstention-from-sloth) Author of the Kural verses condemning sloth and extolling diligence. ### [LXIII: Intrepidity in the Face of Misfortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxiii-intrepidity-in-the-face-of-misfortune) Thiruvalluvar is the author of these verses, imparting wisdom on facing misfortune. ### [Section II: The Members of the Body Politic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-ii-the-members-of-the-body-politic) Author of the Kural, providing wisdom on statecraft and governance. ### [LXIV: The Councillor of State](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxiv-the-councillor-of-state) Author of the Kural, presenting the ideal qualities of a state councillor. ### [LXV: Eloquence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxv-eloquence) Author of the Kural, whose aphorisms on eloquence are presented in this chapter. ### [LXVI: Purity of Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxvi-purity-of-action) Author of the Kural verses on purity of action. ### [LXVII: Decision of Character](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxvii-decision-of-character) Author of the Kural verses on decision of character and willpower. ### [LXIX: The Ambassador](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxix-the-ambassador) Author of the Kural, presenting the ideal qualities of an ambassador. ### [LXX: Comporting Oneself Before Princes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxx-comporting-oneself-before-princes) Author of the Kural; provides aphoristic advice on courtly conduct. ### [LXXI: Judging by Looks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxi-judging-by-looks) Author of the Kural verses on judging character by looks. ### [LXXV: Fortresses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxv-fortresses) Author of the Kural, providing aphorisms on fortresses. ### [LXXVII: The Characteristics of the Army](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxvii-the-characteristics-of-the-army) Author of the Kural, presenting aphorisms on the qualities of a strong army. ### [LXXVIII: The Self-Abandon of the Warrior](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxviii-the-self-abandon-of-the-warrior) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on warrior ethos. ### [LXXIX: Friendship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxix-friendship) Author of the Kural, presenting aphorisms on the nature and value of true friendship. ### [LXXX: Testing of Fitness for Friendship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxx-testing-of-fitness-for-friendship) Author of the Kural verses on testing friendship. ### [LXXXVI: The Defiant Spirit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxvi-the-defiant-spirit) Author of the Kural, delivering moral teachings on the dangers of defiance and the value of forbearance. ### [LXXXVII: The Characteristics of Enemies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxvii-the-characteristics-of-enemies) Author of the Kural, providing aphorisms on the characteristics of enemies. ### [LXXXVIII: The Appraising of Enemies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxviii-the-appraising-of-enemies) Author of the Kural verses on enmity and statecraft. ### [LXXXIX: The Traitor in the Camp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxix-the-traitor-in-the-camp) Author of the Kural verses on the theme of betrayal and internal division. ### [XC: Refraining from Offending the Great Ones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xc-refraining-from-offending-the-great-ones) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on the peril of offending the powerful. ### [Section III: Miscellaneous](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-iii-miscellaneous) Author of the Kural, whose verses are the subject of this section. ### [XCVI: Respectability of Birth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xcvi-respectability-of-birth) Author of the Kural verses on the respectability of birth and family honor. ### [XCVII: Honour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xcvii-honour) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on honour and dignity. ### [CIII: Advancing the Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/ciii-advancing-the-family) Author of the Kural, providing aphorisms on family advancement through labor and virtue. ### [CIV: Husbandry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/civ-husbandry) Author of the Kural verses on husbandry, extolling agriculture as the chief industry and the linchpin of society. ### [CVII: The Dread of Beggary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cvii-the-dread-of-beggary) Author of the Kural, presenting moral teachings on the dread of beggary. ### [Part III: Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-iii-love) Author of the Kural, whose verses on love are central to this part. ### [Section I: The Secret Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-i-the-secret-marriage) Author of the Kural, whose verses on love and marriage underpin the narrative. ### [CX: Reading of the Heart by Signs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cx-reading-of-the-heart-by-signs) Author of the Kural verses on lovers' signs and glances. ### [CXI: In Praise of the Union](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxi-in-praise-of-the-union) The author of the Kural, whose verses praise the union of lovers. ### [CXII: In Praise of Her Beauty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxii-in-praise-of-her-beauty) Author of the Kural, likely the speaker praising the beloved's beauty. ### [Section II: Chastity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-ii-chastity) Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on chastity. ### [CXVI: The Pangs of Separation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxvi-the-pangs-of-separation) Author of the Kural verses on the pangs of separation. ### [CXXVI: The Losing of the Sense of a Dignified Reserve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxxvi-the-losing-of-the-sense-of-a-dignified-reserve) Thiruvalluvar is the author of the Kural verses that form the basis of this chapter's reflections on love and decorum. ### [CXXVII: The Longing of the Lovers to Meet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxxvii-the-longing-of-the-lovers-to-meet) The author of the Kural, whose verses in this chapter explore the theme of love and separation. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/thiruvalluvar - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters