Oedipus, The King is a tragedy written by Sophocles in the 5th century BC. It tells the story of Oedipus, a man who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother. The play begins with Oedipus, the King of Thebes, trying to solve the mystery of a plague that has befallen the city. He sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to the oracle at Delphi to find out what the gods want. The oracle reveals that the plague is a punishment for the murder of the former king, Laius. Oedipus swears to find the murderer and punish him. Meanwhile, a shepherd arrives with news that Oedipus is not the son of the King and Queen of Thebes, as he had always believed. He reveals that Oedipus was abandoned as a baby and adopted by the King and Queen. Oedipus is horrified to learn that he may have killed his own father. He sends for the blind prophet, Tiresias, who reveals that Oedipus is indeed the murderer of Laius. Oedipus is devastated and blinds himself in despair. He is exiled from Thebes and his two daughters, Antigone and Ismene, are left to rule in his place. The play ends with Oedipus in exile, his fate unknown. The audience is left to ponder the consequences of Oedipus’ actions and the power of fate.
By Sophocles · First published -429 · Genre: Tragedy, Classical Literature, Drama · 4 chapters