Oedipus and the Seven Against Thebes Sophocles

Oedipus  Thebes – Doomed and cursed city. Laius abducted Chrysippus daughter of Pelops – violated sacred laws of hospitality  King Laius and Queen Jacosta – parents of Oedipus  Oracle at Delphi – tells Laius his own son will kill him.  Baby Oedipus – Bound by Laius – Tells Jacosta to kill the baby.  Jacosta – Can’t do it. Gives it to a servant who leaves the baby on a mountain top.

Oedipus  Corinth – Oedipus found by a shepherd and taken here.  King Polybus and Queen Morope – Childless. Raises Oedipus as his own.  Oedipus goes to Oracle – Hears that he will kill his father and marry his mother.  Oedipus Flees – Tries to avoid this fate. Goes right back to Thebes.  Laius on the Road – Argue over whose chariot has the right of way. Oedipus kills him!

Oedipus  Sphinx – Terrorizing Thebes.  Oedipus answers the riddle:  Four feet in morning, two at mid-day, three at night.  Sphinx kills itself.  Oedipus marries Jocasta.  Famine – oracle states that murderer of Laius must be punished.  Teiresias – blind prophet. Reveals that Oedipus is the murderer. They argue.  Don’t Worry – Jacosta comforts him with “wrong” prophecy regarding Laius.  Messenger from Corinth brings news of death of Polybus. Reveals that Oedipus was the abandoned baby – saved by a servant.  Jocasta kills herself. Oedipus blinds himself.

The Seven Against Thebes  Oedipus Kids – Etocles, Polynices, Antigone, Ismene  Creon – Jacosta’s brother. takes throne and throws out Oedipus.  Antigone – leads her blind father to Colonus, near Athens.  The end – Oedipus dies at Colonus – happy and revered.  Eteocles – Takes the throne. Throws out his older brother.  Polynices – returns with an army, led by six other heroes. – 7 men, each to lead an attack at one of the seven gates.

The Seven Against Thebes  Meneoceus – son of Creon. Rushes into battle because oracle said he must die.  Stalemate – leads to dual between the brothers, who kill each other.  The Battle wages on – All seven attacking heroes killed except Adrastus.  Nothing gained by the war – Creon in power and the house of Oedipus is in shambles.