Special Sub-Topic: Oedipus Click Here To Play: Oedipus

Who were Oedipus' real parents?

Laius and Jocasta. Oedipus was left to die by his real parents, and adopted.

Where does the story take place?

Thebes. Technically Oedipus did not inherit the throne from his father, the king, but he got it anyway.

What was the answer to the Sphinx's riddle?

a man. The riddle was: What goes on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening? This signifies man in his three stages of life- as an infant, crawling, as an adult, walking, and elderly, using a cane for support.

Why was Oedipus left to die by his real parents?

it was prophesized that he would kill his father. Laius was warned against having children because it was prophesized that if he ever bore a son, that son would kill him. He did not heed the warning, but when Oedipus was born, he knew he had to kill him. Not wanting to murder the child himself, he left him to die of exposure.

Who found and rescued Oedipus?

a shepherd. The shepherd took him to the king and queen of Corinth, who, having no children of their own, adopted him.

How did Oedipus get his name?

an injury. His ankles had been nailed together. Oedipus translates as "swollen foot."

Where did Oedipus live with his adoptive parents?

Corinth. Having no children of their own, the king and queen adopted him.

How many children did Oedipus have?

4. He had two daughters and two sons.

Why did Oedipus leave his home in Corinth?

he thought his adoptive father was his real father. He heard of the prophecy, and, believing his adoptive father to be his real one, left to avoid killing him.

When Oedipus found out the truth about his disfunctional family, what did he do?

blinded himself. Jocasta hung herself, and Oedipus took two gold pins from her garment and stabbed his eyes out.

Where did Oedipus unknowingly kill his father?

on a road. He was insulted when he was ordered out of Laius' way, and killed the king and his guards.

What are Oedipus' daughters' names?

Antigone and Ismene. His sons were eventually killed. Antigone wandered with Oedipus.

Which of these people is Oedipus descended from?

Io. Io is a woman that Zeus pursued until a jealous Hera gave her the head of a cow and drove her to madness and wandering with a biting fly. Creon was Jocasta's brother, Oedipus' uncle/brother-in-law. Heracles and Odysseus are just other Greek characters.

What led to Oedipus finding out the truth about himself?

a plague. It was a result of the gods' displeasure.

As told by an oracle, what was the way for Oedipus to solve his kingdom's natural disaster problem?

finding the murderer of the former king. In his search for the murderer, Oedipus unknowingly cursed himself.