Devaki

One-line: Krishna’s mother, imprisoned because her child is prophesied to kill Kamsa.

First appears: Book 4, in Book 4 retelling.

Who they are: Devaki is the human mother at the center of Krishna’s birth story. Her brother or cousin Kamsa hears that her child will kill him, so he imprisons her and kills her children. The Goddess’s Yoga Maya finally turns the prison into a stage for divine escape.

What they do that matters:

• Is imprisoned with Vasudeva.
• Loses children to Kamsa’s fear.
• Gives birth to Krishna before the baby is carried to safety.

Other names: None in this storybook layer.

Family / lineage (when relevant): Wife of Vasudeva; mother of Krishna.