Krishna
~3228 BCE (traditional, historicity debated) · Indian · Ancient India (traditional)
Known for: The most beloved Hindu deity — chariot driver, flute player, butter thief, and speaker of the Bhagavad Gita
Krishna is one of the most worshipped deities in Hinduism, considered by many traditions to be an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu or the Supreme Being himself. His life story spans from mischievous childhood (stealing butter, playing pranks) through romantic youth (the Rasa Lila dance with the gopis) to the Bhagavad Gita, where he serves as Arjuna's chariot driver and delivers one of the most important philosophical texts in world history.
The historicity of Krishna is debated — he may be entirely mythological, a deified historical figure, or a composite. Regardless, his influence on Hindu theology, philosophy, art, music, and literature is incalculable.
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