Oedipus King of Thebes

The story begins… Oedipus is the son of Laius and Jocasta, King and Queen of Thebes Laius is told by an oracle that his son will kill him one day. Laius gives Oedipus to a slave to leave the baby for dead on a mountain.

All is not lost… The slave feels pity for the baby and leaves Oedipus in the care of a Corinthian Shepherd. The shepherd then gives Oedipus to the king of Corinth, Polybus. Polybus raises Oedipus as if he were his own son.

Oedipus’s Quest for Truth After being called a bastard at a party, Oedipus seeks out the Oracle to find his true parentage. The Oracle’s prediction: Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother.

Oedipus Says Goodbye to Corinth Afraid the prophesy might come true, Oedipus heads away from Corinth towards Thebes At a crossroads, Oedipus encounters a man and his entourage who are rude and aggressive.

A Rash Decision Seeing red, Oedipus lashes out at the man. He kills the man and all of his guards. After this encounter, he continues to Thebes.

The Sphinx Upon his arrival at Thebes, Oedipus discovers the city’s torment by the monster the Sphinx. In order to defeat the Sphinx, the people must solve a riddle: “What animal walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?”

The Hero of Thebes When presented with the riddle, Oedipus knows the answer: Man. Oedipus is made King of Thebes and is given the widow of Laius, Jocasta, as his wife. (uh oh…)

A few years later… Jocasta and Oedipus live together happily and have four children. A plague hits Thebes and kills animals, children, and crops. Oedipus sends his brother-in-law, Creon to the oracle to get to the bottom of the issue.

Oedipus’s Haunting Past The oracle says that the plague is punishment for the unpunished murder of King Laius. Oedipus vows to find the killer…not knowing that it is really himself!

The Blind Man Sees All Oedipus goes to see the blind prophet Teiresias to find the truth. Teiresias tells Oedipus that he is in fact the murderer! Oedipus is enraged, thinking that this is a plot to seize the throne.

Jocasta’s Failed Attempt at Comfort Jocasta tries to comfort Oedipus by telling him that oracles are nonsense. She then retells the prediction given to her former husband so many years ago. When she tells of Laius’s death by “robbers” things start to ring a bell with Oedipus.

A Message from Corinth A messenger comes to tell Oedipus that his “father,” Polybus, is dead. Oedipus fears going to Corinth while his “mother” is still alive. “No fear,” says the messenger. “You were adopted.”

The Truth Comes Out The original Theban shepherd arrives and tells of the baby abandoned by Jocasta and Laius. Oedipus races to tell Jocasta, but it is too late--she’s hanged herself.

Oedipus’s Punishment Disgusted with himself, Oedipus gouges out his eyes. He says goodbye to his children and leaves. Wilson, Andrew. “Oedipus.” The Classics Page. 17 Jan. 2007. http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~loxias/myth.htm.