@jrrt-native-languages-fest
For JRRT Native Languages Fest, I'd like to introduce Ponniyin Selvan, a historical fiction novel based on the period before the golden era of the Chozha Empire in Tamil Nadu. The story revolves around conspirators of other kingdoms tangled in a very personal manner to the lives of the Chozha royal family, and hence, trying to get revenge and power.
My favourite character from the series is Aditha Karikalan, the heir apparent to the Chozha throne. He's very tragic, and I can't help but draw many parallels with Boromir and him.
Both he and Boromir are heirs apparent to the respective positions held by their fathers. Their fathers have problems of their own, Aditha's father being an invalid with paralysis, and Denethor being, well, Denethor.
Each of them has a younger brother, who is considered the more gentle brother (and ends up getting the position originally meant for them).
Although Boromir's death isn't entirely connected with his lust for the Ring, it's a conclusion to his character, and there is no other way his character arc could've closed in the novel, considering the rest of the story.
And although Aditha didn't really die in the arms (or by the hands) of his lover-turned-enemy-because-he-killed-her father-thinking-it-was-her-lover-but-he-was-going-to-kill-him-anyway-because-he-happened-to-be-the-enemy-king (because he didn't have any in history :P) fiction is, of course, romanticised. He died growing mad for her (at least in the movies). He begged her to run away with him and then killed himself in front of her.
Kind of sacrifice, really. Either of them had to die, and he killed himself. A bit like Boromir, who also sacrificed himself.
Their biggest tragedies, however, are their love for their kingdom, and their want to protect them. But this is where they differ; Boromir tries to take the ring from Frodo in hopes that he can save Gondor, and then repents and dies, protecting Merry and Pippin.
Aditha actually kills his ex-lover's father because, as mentioned above, he was the enemy king. He was doing it to protect his kingdom. Eventually he does go mad. And dies.
This is a little incoherent, actually, and I couldn't find any of Aditha's quotes that might relate to Boromir. Sucks to be travelling and writing all this off the top of my head. I did, however, remember the song that was composed for his funeral procession.
O royal warrior, O brave and strong one,
Invincible [chozha] warrior,
May your world prosper. Hail to your victory.
Those who dare to oppose you,
You send to their graves.
O, angel of undying love, Lovely damsels yearn for you.
We sing your glory, o brave one.
This is just the first stanza, but I think it fits him well, don't you?
@valar-did-me-wrong I thought you might be interested?
