In the play, Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, Oedipus is rewarded king of Thebes when he frees the city from death by correctly answering a riddle by the deadly Sphinx.
You came to Cadmus' city and unbound
the tax we had to pay to the harsh singer,
did it without a helpful word from us,
with no instruction; with a god's assistance
you raised up our life, so we believe.
The play begins with begs and pleads by the priest of Zeus who speaks for the Theban people. The priest discloses that the city is plagued with hunger and death. He goes to Oedipus, believing that he can save the city as he once did before. Oedipus is aware of the problem the city is faced with, and has already sent his brother-in-law, Creon to Apollo's oracle so he can learn what may be done to save the city. He understands the power of the gods and will do what the gods wish. "But when he comes, then I shall be a traitor if I do not do all that god reveals." During this time, Oedipus is unaware that he is closely approaching his downfall, as the truth of his sins later reveal a disgusting, horrible, and tragic realization about himself. The discovery of the truths leads Oedipus with hideous feelings. He learns in the end how fragile man is before the power of the gods.
Phoebus Apollo is a god of prophecy, who once told Oedipus that he would become a lover to his mother, have her children and murder his own father. Oedipus thought he could free himself from the oracle and remain above his own destiny. He flees his city, Corinth, to avoid murdering his father, Polybus and having sexual relations with his mother, Meropç.
When I heard this, and ever since, I gauged
the way to Corinth by the stars alone,
running to a place where I would never see
the disgrace in the oracle's words come true.
Oedipus does not realize he is heading straight to meet the destiny he thought he was preventin
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