1. Before Oedipus came to Thebes, a “stern songstress”, the Sphinx, lay crouched on top of a rock, stopping all travellers to ask them a riddle. Any traveller who solved the riddle could pass; but those who failed were killed.  When Oedipus approached the Sphinx, no one had yet solved the puzzle. The city had become a prison; its citizens were afraid to leave, and no one could enter.

2. When Oedipus  solved the riddle, the Sphinx was so outraged that she threw herself off the rock to her death. The people of Thebes showed their thanks to Oedipus by making him king and giving him the hand of Jocasta. , Little did the Thebans know, their deliverer was the one who would bring them to ruin.

3. Can you solve the Riddle of the Sphinx?
"What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?"

4. Oedipus thought a moment. Then he replied "The answer is Man
Oedipus thought a moment. Then he replied "The answer is Man." "In childhood he creeps on hands and knees, in manhood he walks upright, and in old age he walks with the aid of a cane."