The Story of Oedipus (Complete) - Greek Mythology

Summary

In ancient Greece, a prophecy foretells the downfall of King Laius through his son Oedipus. To avoid this, Oedipus is abandoned but later adopted by King Polybus. As a young man, Oedipus unknowingly fulfills the prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother, Jocasta. After solving the Sphinx's riddle, he becomes King of Thebes. A plague leads to the revelation of his true identity, leading to Jocasta's suicide and Oedipus's self-blinding. He abdicates the throne and goes into exile, accompanied by his daughter Antigone.

Takeaways

• 👑 The story is set in a prestigious Greek kingdom where a prophecy foretells the death of the king and ruin of his family due to his son's birth.
• 🔮 The king, seeking to avoid the prophecy, orders the infant to be abandoned on Mount Sitheron to die.
• 🛐 A servant cannot bear to leave the child and gives him to a passing shepherd, who in turn baptizes and raises him as Oedipus.
• 🏰 Oedipus is adopted by the childless King and Queen of Corinth, Polybus and his wife, and grows up as their heir.
• 🗣️ An insult at a celebration prompts Oedipus to seek his true identity at the Oracle of Delphi, where he receives a prophecy of patricide and incest.
• 🛤️ Oedipus, in an attempt to escape his fate, leaves Corinth and inadvertently fulfills the prophecy by killing his biological father, King Laius.
• 🐍 Oedipus solves the riddle of the Sphinx, saving Thebes, and is rewarded with the throne and the hand of Queen Jocasta in marriage.
• 😷 A plague strikes Thebes, and Oedipus seeks the cause from the Oracle of Delphi, leading to the revelation of his true parentage.
• 👁️ Upon realizing the truth, Oedipus blinds himself with Jocasta's brooches, unable to bear the sight of his actions.
• ⚖️ Oedipus abdicates the throne to Creon, and his daughter Antigone accompanies him into exile, symbolizing a final act of familial love and loyalty.

Q & A

What prophecy did the King receive at Apollo's Temple regarding his son's birth?

The King was told that the birth of his son would cause his death and the ruin of his entire family.

Why did the servant not leave the baby on Mount Sitheron as planned?

The servant could not bear to leave the child in such a place and handed him to an unknown shepherd who was passing by with his cattle.

What did the shepherd do after finding the abandoned baby?

The shepherd untied the child's feet, treated his wounds, and baptized him as Oedipus, which meant 'the one with swollen feet.'

Why did Oedipus leave Corinth after the celebration?

Oedipus left Corinth to avoid the prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, after being insulted by a nobleman who questioned his legitimacy as heir.

What did the Oracle of Delphi prophesy about Oedipus's future?

The Oracle prophesied that Oedipus would kill his own father, marry his mother, and leave a shameful descent.

How did Oedipus become the King of Thebes?

Oedipus became the King of Thebes after solving the riddle of the Sphinx, which led to the creature's death and the safety of Thebes. As a reward, he married the widowed queen, Jocasta, and ascended to the throne.

What was the riddle posed by the Sphinx, and how did Oedipus solve it?

The riddle was: 'In the morning I have four legs, at noon I have two, and when the twilight comes I have three. What am I?' Oedipus solved it by answering 'Man,' as humans crawl on all fours as babies, walk on two legs as adults, and use a cane in old age.

What event led to the plague in Thebes, and how was it connected to Oedipus?

The plague in Thebes was a result of the murder of King Laius, which was prophesied to be avenged. It was connected to Oedipus because he was the one who unknowingly killed Laius at a crossroads, fulfilling the prophecy.

How did Oedipus discover his true parentage?

Oedipus discovered his true parentage when a messenger from Corinth revealed that he was not the biological son of Polybus and Merope, but was given to them by the messenger himself. This led to the revelation that Oedipus was the son of Laius and Jocasta, the King and Queen of Thebes.

What were the tragic consequences of Oedipus's self-discovery?

Upon realizing the truth of his parentage and the fulfillment of the prophecy, Jocasta committed suicide, and Oedipus, in despair, blinded himself with her golden brooches and requested to be exiled from Thebes.