01 · Bhishma's promise
King Shantanu of Hastinapura wished to marry Satyavati.
King Shantanu of Hastinapura wished to marry Satyavati.
Her father asked that only her son should become the next king.
Her father asked that only her son should become the next king.
Prince Devavrata, Shantanu's eldest son, gave up the throne and promised never to marry.
Prince Devavrata, Shantanu's eldest son, gave up the throne and promised never to marry.
Because of this hard vow, people called him Bhishma.
Because of this hard vow, people called him Bhishma.
Saylumo English retelling · Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva (Sambhava Parva), Ganguli §100 · Original simplified English retelling by Saylumo. This is not a quotation of the Mahābhārata, not a verse-by-verse translation, and not a complete epic. · Source & license