Bhishma wins brides for his half – brother and in the process makes himself an implacable foe, who transforms herself into a man to bring about his death. But the great man has other troubles as there are no heirs to carry on the line and he must figure out a solution with the redoubtable Satyavati. 
Featured characters:
Bhishma, son of Shantanu and Ganga.
Satyavati, fisherwoman who became Shantanu’s second wife.
Veda Vyasa, son of Satyavati and sage Parashara; biological father of Dhritarashtra, Pandu & Vidura; author of Mahabharata.
Chitrangada, elder son of Shantanu and Satyavati; killed by his namesake.
Vichitravirya, younger son of Shantanu and Satyavati; dies of a wasting sickness.
Parashurama, Warrior- sage and an incarnation of Vishnu who rid the earth of several generations of Kshatriyas.
Subramanya, another name for Kartikeya; son of Shiva and Parvati.
Yama/Dharma, God of death; ruler of Naraka/hell and righteous wielder of justice. 
Amba, Princess of Kasi.
Shikandhin, Amba reborn, fated to bring about Bhishma’s death.
Ambika, first wife of Vichitravirya, mother of Dhritarashtra. 
Ambalika, second wife of Vichitravirya, mother of Pandu. 
Vidura, son of Veda Vyasa; born to a maid.
Drupada, King of the powerful Panchala clan; father of Shikandhin, Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi. 
Mandavya, a Sage who curses Yama to take birth as Vidura.