Savitri

Indian mythology · heroine · devotion that defeats death

The princess who married Satyavan knowing he had a year to live, then followed Yama himself as he carried off her husband's soul, and argued the god of death, boon by careful boon, into giving him back.

Stories

Savitri and the Lord of Death

Savitri marries Satyavan knowing he has one year to live, and when Yama carries off his soul she simply follows. Pleased by her wisdom, the god grants boon after boon, anything but the life he carries, until one careful wish, children by her husband, forces Death himself to hand it back.