1. Sophocles and Oedipus Rex
Ms. Bailey

2. Born in Colonus, Greece in 494 BC. Died in 406 BC.
Sophocles
Born in Colonus, Greece in 494 BC. Died in 406 BC.
Was acting in theaters since he was 16 years old.
Went on to write some of the most well- known Greek tragedies.

3. Oedipus background Oedipus’ father, Laius, upset the Gods.
He was King of Thebes, but a curse was laid upon he, his wife Jocasta, and their only son – Oedipus.
The prophecy (curse) is said that Laius’ son will kill him and take over his house.
In order to avoid this from happening, Laius injures the baby and orders Jocasta to kill the baby.
Being the child’s mother, Jocasta leaves the task to her servant, who leaves him at the top of a mountain near the town of Corinth. There, he is found by a Shepard who names him Oedipus and gives him to the King of Corinth.

4. Oedipus background cont.
Oedipus visit the Oracle at Delphi and asks about the rumors that the King and Queen of Corinth are not his real parents.
The oracle does not tell him the truth, but instead recites the prophecy.
Oedipus flees Corinth, terrified that the King and Queen are his real parents.
Oedipus flees to Thebes, and on the road gets into a fight with Laius, whom he kills.
When Oedipus arrives in Thebes, the city is plagued by a Sphynx who will not lift the plague until the riddle is solved. Oedipus solves the riddle, lifts the plague, and is made King of Thebes. He marries Jocasta and has a family with her.