The Fate of Oedipus the King
Oedipus the King, a play by Sophocles, is the story of Laius, a murdered king.
Oedipus, husband of Jocasta (Liaus's widow) is the current king of Thebes. The city is
suffering under a terrible plague and Oedipus is challenged with finding a way to get this
problem solved.
Priest: Oh, look upon the city, see the storm
that batters down this city's prow in waves of blood:
The crops diseased, disease among the herds.
The ineffectual womb rotting with its fruit. (Oed. 6)
Unsure of how to save his people, Oedipus consults with Creon about the oracle of
Ap…
