Draupadi was born of fire. She was a woman without a mother or a sister or daughter. She had a father, a brother and five sons, all of whom died when fighting for her against the Kauravas. In Tamil folklore, she is a goddess, and her husbands are those who failed to protect her. 

The story of Draupadi fascinates many because she had five husbands. She did not choose to marry five men—she was instructed to do so. In mythology, no one demands explanations when men have multiple wives. Kings often have two, three, or even more wives, as do gods. But when it comes to a woman having multiple husbands, it is always seen as a problem. Thus, explanations are sought for why Draupadi had five husbands.