The poet Vyasa tells a boy the story of his race, a story that leads to the birth of king Dhritharashtra and former king Pandu. Their children are raised together, but it is clear they don't really like each other.

The dice are cast and now the Pandava's face a long exile. Yudhishthira feels bound by his promise and waits. Arjuna leaves to look for weapons. Meanwhile Dushassana gets some disturbing dreams and urges Duryodhana to strike immediately.