Vishnu Purana
There are numerous versions of Krishna's life story, of which three are most studied: the "Harivamsa", the "Bhagavata Purana", and the "Vishnu Purana". They share the basic storyline but vary significantly in their specifics, details, and styles. The most original composition, the "Harivamsa" is told in a realistic style that describes Krishna's life as a poor herder but weaves in poetic and allusive fantasy. It ends on a triumphal note, not with the death of Krishna. Differing in some details, the fifth book of the "Vishnu Purana" moves away from "Harivamsa" realism and embeds Krishna in mystical terms and eulogies. The "Vishnu Purana" manuscripts exist in many versions.