Lecture on Oedipus

Introduction

• Oedipus: A legendary figure whose life intertwined with fate and prophecy.
• Triumphed over death, Sphinx, and plagues but succumbed to the truth.

Birth and Early Prophecy

• Born to Queen Jocasta and King Laius of Thebes.
• Prophecy: Laius will die at the hands of his son.
• Laius attempts to defy fate by abandoning Oedipus with pierced ankles on Mount Cithaeron.
• A shepherd saves Oedipus and gives him to another shepherd from Corinth.
• Raised by Corinthian King and Queen, Polybus and Merope as their own son.

Seeds of Doubt

• A drunken reveler claims Oedipus is not Polybus and Merope’s biological son.
• Doubts lead Oedipus to consult Apollo’s oracle.
• New prophecy: Oedipus will murder his father and marry his mother.

The Journey Toward Thebes

• To avoid this fate, Oedipus leaves Corinth.
• At a crossroads, kills an unknown man in a confrontation (King Laius).

Arrival in Thebes

• Solves the Sphinx’s riddle, saving the city.
• Marries Queen Jocasta, fulfilling Apollo’s prophecy.
• Has four children with her.

The Plague and Investigation

• Plague hits Thebes, leading Oedipus to seek solutions.
• Oracle demands the uncovering of King Laius’s murderer.
• Blind prophet Tiresias implicates Oedipus.
• Oedipus investigates further.

The Revelation

• Conversations with a Corinthian messenger and the shepherd reveal the truth.
• Oedipus discovers he’s Laius’s killer and Jocasta’s son.

Tragic Conclusion

• Jocasta commits suicide.
• Oedipus blinds himself and begs for exile.
• Awaits final word from Apollo’s oracle.

Sequel: Oedipus at Colonus

• Written by Sophocles decades later.
• Oedipus now aged, accepts truth and released from shame.
• Claims innocence due to his unwitting actions.
• A divine voice calls Oedipus.
• Oedipus transcends peacefully into death.