Krishna Dvaipayana, commonly known as Vyasa, is a revered sage in Hindu tradition, credited with composing the Mahabharata, one of the longest epic poems in the world. He is also recognized for compiling the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, and for authoring the Puranas, which are ancient mythological texts that narrate the history of the universe. Vyasa is often depicted as a wise and knowledgeable figure, symbolizing the importance of knowledge and storytelling in Indian culture. He is considered a central character in the Mahabharata, where he plays a crucial role in the events leading to the great war of Kurukshetra, guiding the Pandavas and imparting wisdom throughout the narrative.