The Story of Oedipus (Complete) - Greek Mythology

The Myth of Oedipus: A Complete Retelling

This retelling captures the tragic rise and fall of Oedipus, the ill-fated prince and king of Greek mythology. Born under a dark prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, Oedipus’s life is marked by fate, identity, and tragedy.

Early Life and Prophecy

Oedipus narrowly escapes death as a baby when a servant spares him and passes him to a shepherd. The shepherd then delivers him to the childless king and queen of Corinth, who raise him as their own son. Despite growing strong and clever, Oedipus is haunted by rumors about his true origins.

The Oracle and Flight from Corinth

An insult at a celebration sparks doubts about his parentage. Seeking answers, Oedipus consults the Oracle of Delphi and receives a horrifying prophecy: he will kill his father and marry his mother. Determined to avoid this fate, he flees Corinth, unknowingly setting the prophecy in motion.

Along the way, Oedipus kills a man at a crossroads during a violent confrontation—this man turns out to be his biological father.

Arrival in Thebes and the Sphinx

Oedipus arrives in Thebes, a city terrorized by the deadly Sphinx. He solves her famous riddle:

“What walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?”

By revealing humanity’s stages of life, Oedipus defeats the Sphinx. As a reward, he is given the throne of Thebes and marries the widowed queen Jocasta—his biological mother—though neither knows the truth.

The Plague and the Search for Truth

Years later, a plague strikes Thebes. Oedipus vows to find the murderer of the previous king, Laius, unaware that he himself is the culprit. The blind prophet Tiresias accuses Oedipus, leading to a bitter confrontation with Creon, Jocasta’s brother.

As testimonies unfold and a messenger arrives from Corinth, the terrible truth emerges: the prophecy has come true.

The Tragic Climax and Aftermath

• Jocasta, overwhelmed by despair, hangs herself.
• Oedipus blinds himself with Jocasta’s brooches, cursing his eyes for witnessing the horror.
• He relinquishes the throne to Creon.
• Oedipus goes into exile, accompanied by his loyal daughter Antigone, who offers a glimmer of hope and compassion amid the tragedy.

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Highlights

• The intense prophecy that drives the entire narrative.
• Oedipus’s heroic but tragic solving of the Sphinx’s riddle.
• Dramatic confrontations between Oedipus, Tiresias, and Creon.
• The emotional climax with Jocasta’s suicide and Oedipus’s self-blinding.
• The poignant loyalty of Antigone, who chooses to follow her blind father into exile.

Notable Reactions and Themes

• Oedipus’s mixture of strength, intelligence, and tragic blindness to his own fate.
• The irony of trying to escape destiny only to fulfill it.
• The heavy theme of fate versus free will.
• The emotional weight of family betrayal and self-punishment.

Key Personalities

• Oedipus: The tragic hero and king.
• Jocasta: Queen, mother, and wife.
• King Laius: Oedipus’s biological father.
• King Polybus and Queen of Corinth: Oedipus’s adoptive parents.
• Creon: Jocasta’s brother and Oedipus’s brother-in-law.
• Tiresias: The blind prophet.
• The Sphinx: The deadly monster and riddle-giver.
• Antigone: Oedipus’s devoted daughter.