EpicsClassic retold
Arjuna and the Bird's Eye
The great teacher Drona sets his young princes a simple test. A wooden bird sits high in a tree. Before they shoot, he asks each of them one question. Only one gives the answer he is waiting for.
Epics & Ancient Wisdom
Timeless moments from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas, and the lessons they still teach.
For families and readers of all ages · 10 stories
EpicsClassic retold
Arjuna's Doubt
On the morning of a great battle, the warrior Arjuna looks across the field, sees his own family and teachers on the other side, and puts down his bow. What his friend and charioteer Krishna tells him next became the Bhagavad Gita.
EpicsClassic retold
Bharata and the Sandals
Prince Bharata comes home to find that his mother has sent his beloved brother Rama into exile so that Bharata can be king. He does not want the throne. So he walks into the forest to bring Rama back.
EpicsClassic retold
Ekalavya's Gift
A boy from a forest tribe is turned away by the great teacher Drona. So he makes a clay statue of Drona and teaches himself, until he is a better archer than the princes. Then his teacher asks for a terrible fee.
EpicsClassic retold
Hanuman and the Mountain
Lakshmana lies badly wounded on the battlefield, and only a healing herb from a far-off mountain can save him before sunrise. Hanuman flies north to fetch it. But when he gets there, he can't tell which herb is the right one.
EpicsClassic retold
Karna's Golden Armour
Karna was born wearing golden armour and earrings that kept him safe from any weapon. He also made a promise never to refuse anyone who asked him for a gift at midday. One day, a visitor comes to test that promise.
EpicsClassic retold
Krishna and Sudama
Two boys share everything at school. Years later, one is a king in a golden city and the other is so poor his family often goes hungry. Sudama walks to the palace with a small bundle of flattened rice. Will his old friend even remember him?
EpicsClassic retold
Shabari's Berries
For years an old woman in the forest waits for Rama, sweeping the path and gathering fruit each morning in case today is the day. When he finally comes, she has only berries to give him. What she does with them surprises everyone.
EpicsFable & folk tale
The Squirrel and the Bridge
An army is building a bridge of rocks across the sea. The bears and monkeys carry huge boulders. And one tiny squirrel keeps rolling in the sand and running to the shore. Is that really helping?
EpicsClassic retold
The Yaksha's Questions
Four thirsty brothers drink from a beautiful lake and fall to the ground. When the fifth, Yudhishthira, arrives, a voice tells him he may drink only after answering its questions. His life, and theirs, depends on his answers.