King Shantanu is a significant character in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He was the ruler of the Kuru dynasty and is known for his wisdom and strong sense of duty. Shantanu is often depicted as a just king who faced moral dilemmas, particularly regarding love and sacrifice. One of the most notable aspects of King Shantanu's story is his love for Ganga, the river goddess. Their union produced several children, but Ganga drowned each of their sons as part of a promise she made. This tragic event deeply affected Shantanu and set the stage for the complex family dynamics that would unfold in the Mahabharata.