It’s interesting how Shantanu found his lovers and what had
to be promised for them to be with him. Bhishma seemed to give up everything
for Shantanu no matter what it would cost. It makes me wonder why he cared so
much for Shantanu and why he was willing to give up his right to the throne so
that Shantanu would have who he wanted as his bride. Even when shantanu passed
away, Bhishma still cared for his half-brother and made sure to find him a wife
so that he could carry on the kingdom. Bhishma was completely capable of taking
the kingdom for his self. Given how easily and joyfully he defeated the kings,
it seems he wouldn’t be bothered morally to take the kingdom from his
half-brother. Yet, he does whatever it takes to ensure his half-brother retains
the throne. Bhishma’s actions did not account for much since Vichitravirya died
before having any heirs. Even then, Bhishma did not take the throne or have a
son to take the throne. When asked about having an heir, he reminded Satyavati
that he promised he would never have children. Vyasa was the one to produce an
heir, but was very unattractive. The first two sons were not good enough, so
Ambika brought her handmaiden to bear a child. This child was chosen by Dharma
as his incarnation and was chosen as heir along with Pandu, “the pale one”. One
thing that surprised me was that Amba was so distraught that she wanted to
destroy Bhishma. She was so filled with fury that Shiva appeared before her and
promised that she would be able to slay Bhishma. She would reincarnate as a man
and become strong enough to destroy Bhishma. So she gathered wood and set it
aflame and stepped into it promising to come back and not rest until Bhishma
was beaten. Talk about raging fury…
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