Overview
This lecture retells the tragic myth of Oedipus—his birth, prophecy, rise as King of Thebes, and the fulfillment of his cursed fate.
Birth and Prophecy
- Oedipus was born to the King and Queen of Thebes, but a prophecy warned he would cause his father's death and ruin the family.
- The king ordered Oedipus to be left to die on Mount Sithiron with his feet pierced.
- A compassionate servant instead gave the baby to a shepherd, who named him Oedipus ("swollen feet") and delivered him to King Polybus of Corinth.
- Polybus and his wife, childless, adopted Oedipus.
Oedipus's Early Life and the Oracle
- Oedipus grew up as Corinth's prince but was taunted for being a foreigner.
- Seeking the truth, he consulted the Oracle at Delphi, who foretold he would kill his father and marry his mother.
- To avoid this fate, he left Corinth, believing Polybus and his wife were his true parents.
The Fateful Crossroads and Path to Thebes
- At a crossroads, Oedipus killed a man (unaware it was King Laius, his biological father) and his servants in self-defense.
The Sphinx and Kingship
- Thebes was terrorized by the Sphinx, who killed those failing her riddle.
- Oedipus solved the riddle (answer: "man"), causing the Sphinx's death.
- As a reward, he married Queen Jocasta (his birth mother) and became King of Thebes.
The Plague and the Revelation
- Years later, a plague struck Thebes; the Oracle stated the city must expel Laius's murderer.
- Oedipus vowed to find the culprit, consulting the prophet Tiresias, who revealed Oedipus himself was the killer.
- Oedipus accused Creon and Tiresias of conspiracy, but evidence mounted against him.
The Truth Unveiled
- A messenger revealed Oedipus was adopted; the shepherd and servant confirmed his true parentage.
- Jocasta realized the truth and hanged herself.
- Oedipus blinded himself in despair and asked for exile, relinquishing the crown to Creon.
Aftermath and Exile
- Oedipus’s daughter Antigone accompanied him into exile as an act of loyalty and compassion.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Oedipus — The tragic king of Thebes, unknowingly fulfilling a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother.
- Prophecy — A prediction by the Oracle about Oedipus's fate.
- Sphinx — A mythical creature that posed a deadly riddle to Thebes.
- Oracle of Delphi — The most respected prophetic temple in ancient Greece.
- Tiresias — A blind prophet who revealed Oedipus’s guilt.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the details of Greek tragic structure and prophecy for deeper understanding.
- Reflect on how fate and free will are depicted in the myth.
- Prepare for discussion on the themes of blindness, guilt, and leadership in the next class.