Vysasa has a very complex backstory, with a definite path towards the finality of reading the Mahabharata to Ganesha. King Shantanu has 8 children with Ganga in human form, who promptly destroys 7 of the children before vanishing with the 8th. She returns to give a now fully grown and stout Devavrata to King Shantanu - Devavrata has divine powers and a human form. King Shantanu in grief of losing Ganga meets Satyavati. We're told again of Vyasa's bizarre birth. Devavrata takes a "terrible oath" to allow King Shantanu to marry Satyavati - becoming "Bhishma", a fitting name. Bhishma, in conflict, takes three daughters to be brides for Vichitravirya - only two marry. Amba, the third, returns to marry her intended, who spurns her. She then decides to orient her life around bringing about the downfall of Bhishma. After some deaths in the family, Queen Satyavati calls on Vysasa - whose arrival seemingly causes the birth of three children. Ambika's son was born blind and named Dhritarashtra. Ambalika's son was born pale and named Pandu. Ambika sent her handmaiden to Vyasa and bore a son (the earthly form of Dharma) named Vidura. Bhishma raised the children and in time chose Pandu to be king. We see the birth of the Pandavas and the Kauravas - duality. Kunti raises the five sons of Pandu - who are ultimately to return to be raised by Dhritarashtra alongside the Kauravas. We see the rivalry growing, with supernatural events causing changes in the sons. Drona teaches the two sides. In education we see the Pandavas distinguishing themselves from the Kauravas - driving the wedge deeper. We see the culmination of this section with a tournament in which the Pandavas prove themselves - particularly Arjuna - who's then bested by his unknown brother Karna. Drona collects on his owed payment, sending the princes to inflict pain on King Drupada, with whom he has a checkered past. As things progress, Duryodhana loses it, deciding to rid himself of the Pandavas.
Bibliography:
PDE Mahabharata | Vyasa
Photo Source:
Karna in Kurukshetra | Made in Himachal Pradesh or Jammu and Kashmir
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