"Although the Kaurava is the senior branch of the family, Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava, is younger than Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava. Both Duryodhana and Yudhishthira claim to be first in line to inherit the throne."

Yeah, sounds like exactly the kind of nitpicking that's par the course for succession fights

"To resolve his father's dilemma, Devavrata agrees to relinquish his right to the throne. As the fisherman is not sure about the prince's children honoring the promise, Devavrata also takes a vow of lifelong celibacy to guarantee his father's promise."

Get you a son who's willing to go to this length so you can remarry, I guess??

"To arrange the marriage of young Vichitravirya, Bhishma [note: Formerly Devavrata, Best Wingman Ever] attends the swayamvara of the three princesses Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika, uninvited, and proceeds to abduct them."

What the fuck?! Worst party crasher ever, man!! I'm going to guess this is a reference to ancient custom, since ritual bride abduction is fairly common.

"Ambika and Ambalika consent to be married to Vichitravirya."

Good for them, I guess.

"The oldest princess Amba, however, informs Bhishma that she wishes to marry the king of Shalva . . . Bhishma lets her leave to marry the king of Shalva"

Good for him!

But of course, the King of Shalva is still pouting over Bhishma defeating him at the party so Amba comes back to ask to marry Bhishma instead, Bhishma says no because vow of celibacy, and THEN obviously she becomes his lifelong enemy! Of course!!

@ljwrites this is such a wild ride