Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata, Part A

     For this weeks reading's I decided to watch the Epifed version of the Mahabharata. Part A first introduces us to the story, then begins with the Shantanu marrying the river goddess Ganga (on the promise that he'd never question her decisions). She gave birth to eight children, and one by one she drowned them in the river, except for the last one. Davarata, his last son, grew up and eventually was reunited with his father. However, King Shatanu fell in love with a fisherman's daughter. Since Davarata's children would always take precedence in the line of succession, King Shatanu could not marry her. Davarata decided to take matters into his own hands and make a terrible vow. Davarata vowed to never marry or father any children, and became known as Bhisma. Bhisma then toook the fisherman's daughter to his father for his father to marry. Davarata felt, instead of happy, like his heart had doomed them. The fisherman's daughter gave birth to two sons, one of which was killed in battle. Because the other one was in poor health, Bhisma decided to find him a wife, and kidnapped three princesses.

Ganga presents Bhisma

     Amba, one of the princesses, wished to go back to marry the king that she loved. Bhsima apologized and allowed her to go. The man she loved, however, rejected her because Bhisma had take her away. He told Amba to go back to Bhisma and marry him. Bhisma would not marry her though, because of his vow. Amba declared that one day she would have her revenge for ruining her life. The King Vichtraveerya died childless, so there was fear because there was no one to inherit the throne. Satyavati decided Bhisma's vow had lasted long enough, the kingdom needed a ruler. Bhisma would not budge, however, even when Satyavati pleaded with him to choose a bride from another kingdom if he must. She then told him a secret, that she had another son hidden away. Satyavati summoned this son, and she told him that he could father the children of the two widows. The two widows of Vichtraveerya were terrified of this man however, because he was not pleasant to look at. Ambika gave birth to a child who was blind because she had closed her eyes in fear. Ambalika gave birth to Pandu. a child who was pale and weak. Satyavati ordered her Vyas to go to Ambalika a second time, but in her place Ambalika sent a servant girl, who accepted him without fear. She gave birth to Vidura. Eventually Dhritirasth marrying Ghandari, who had apparentlly known for a long time that her husband would be blind. She decided to give up the gift of sight as well, to be equal.

Biblipgraphy. "Epified Mahabraharata" by Epified. Web Source.