Krishna
Krishna was hidden away as soon as he was born, as one of his uncles had been given a warning that he would be assassinated by one of his sister's children and so attempted to kill all of her children. Krishna was bought up around cowherds and he performed feats of amazing strength, killing snakes and demons, uprooting trees, overturning ox carts etc.
Krishna played pranks. He stoles the clothes of a group of bathing maidens and watched them as they came out of the water. He is the epitome of erotic delight and the sound of his flute would excite women of all ages. When dancing with a group of girls he would multiply himself so that each girl would think that he was dancing only with them.
He is also known as Hari Krishna, 'Krishna, stealer of hearts'. The name 'Krishna' indicates 'black' or 'dark'.
Krishna was skilled in warfare and he met his own death by accident. As he was meditating he left his ankle exposed and a wayward arrow hit him there. His ankle was his only vulnerble spot and he died.
Adapted from 'A guide to the Gods' by Richard Carlyon
