Oedipus is the King of Thebes who is remembered for solving the riddle of the Sphinx, and killing his father and marrying his mother without knowing that they were his parents.
Oedipus is best known from the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. Oedipus was born to King Laius and Queen Jocasta of Thebes. Shortly after his birth, his parents received an oracle that Oedipus would murder his father and marry his mother. In a panic, Laius bound the infant’s feet and ordered a servant to kill the child. Unable to kill the baby, the servant instead left Oedipus on a hillside to die. He was found by a shepherd who took him to King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth, who raised him as their own. After hearing the same frightening prophecy and believing Polybus and Merope to be his real parents, Oedipus fled Corinth to protect them.
On the road, he ran into an old man who got in his way at a crossroads; in a fit of rage, Oedipus killed the old man. He continued his journey until he reached the city of Thebes, which was under siege by a giant monster called the Sphinx. The Sphinx would only lift her curse if someone could solve her riddle: “What walks on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening?” Oedipus correctly solved the riddle: man (as a crawling toddler, a healthy youth, and an elderly person with a cane). The Sphinx lifted the curse on the city, and Oedipus was given the recently-widowed Queen of Thebes as his prize. They went on to have four children together: Antigone, Ismene, Polynices, and Eteocles.
Many years later, a plague befell the city and Oedipus learned that the murderer of the late king was never brought to justice. He sought out an oracle to help find the murderer, but soon discovered that the man he killed on the road was actually his father Laius, and that Queen Jocasta is his mother. Upon learning the news, Jocasta killed herself, and Oedipus blinded himself with two large pins from Jocasta’s dressing gown.
Oedipus and his daughters Antigone and Ismene left the city, while his sons Polynices and Eteocles began a battle for the throne.
Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Oedipus Quick Reference
Parents
King Laius and Queen Jocasta
Notable Myths
- The Sphinx
- Oedipus Rex
- Antigone
Companions
Jocasta
Symbols / Attributes
- Sphinx
- Blinded Eyes
Be sure to check out the lesson plans for Oedipus the King!
How Tos about Oedipus: Greek Hero
Introduce the myth of Oedipus with a classroom activity
Start with a brief storytelling session about Oedipus, using visuals or props to engage students. Connecting the narrative to images helps students remember key facts and characters.
Guide students to identify main characters and their roles
Ask students to list important figures in the Oedipus myth, such as Oedipus, Jocasta, and Laius. Discuss each character’s role and significance for deeper understanding.
Facilitate a group discussion on the lessons from Oedipus’s story
Encourage students to share what moral or lesson they think the Oedipus myth teaches. This activity fosters critical thinking and connects ancient stories to modern life.
Incorporate visual aids to reinforce learning
Use pictures, diagrams, or timelines to show key events in the Oedipus story. Visual aids support comprehension and make abstract concepts concrete for students.
Assign a creative project to summarize learning
Invite students to create a poster, comic strip, or short skit about the Oedipus myth. Creative projects allow students to express understanding in their own words and styles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oedipus: Greek Hero
What is Oedipus in Greek mythology?
Oedipus is a legendary figure in Greek mythology known for unwittingly fulfilling a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, leading to tragedy for himself and his family.
Why is the story of Oedipus important in literature?
The story of Oedipus is important because it explores themes of fate, free will, and tragic flaws. It has influenced countless works of literature, drama, and psychology, including the concept of the "Oedipus complex."
What lesson does the myth of Oedipus teach?
The myth of Oedipus teaches about the dangers of pride, ignoring warnings, and the power of fate. It encourages readers to consider how choices and destiny can shape outcomes.
How is Oedipus used in classroom lessons?
Teachers use the story of Oedipus to discuss Greek mythology, drama, and ethics, and to introduce students to literary themes like fate versus free will and the meaning of tragedy.
What is the difference between Oedipus and other Greek tragic heroes?
Oedipus differs from other Greek tragic heroes because his downfall is caused by fate and his own actions, making him a symbol of tragic irony and the limits of human understanding.
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office