One-line: Vyasa’s mother and queen whose choices keep the Mahabharata family line alive.
First appears: Book 2, in Book 2 retelling.
Who they are: Satyavati begins as the fisher-girl Matsyagandha and becomes one of the most important women in the Mahabharata family line. She is Vyasa’s mother before she becomes Shantanu’s queen. When the royal line is about to collapse, Satyavati calls Vyasa back.
What they do that matters:
- Gives birth to Vyasa after meeting Parashara.
- Marries King Shantanu.
- Calls Vyasa to continue the Kuru line after Vichitravirya dies.
Other names: Matsyagandha, Yojanagandha
Family / lineage (when relevant): Mother of Vyasa; wife of Shantanu; mother of Chitrangada and Vichitravirya.