The messenger jogs the shepherd's memory of all the good times they had spent together. "Well then, maybe you remember a baby boy you gave me, and asked me to rear it as my own?"\n\nThe shepherd is frightened. "What do you mean?"\n\nThe messenger replies, "/Here/ stands your baby boy!"\n\nThe shepherd says, "Damn you, man, hold your tongue!"\n\n[[Oedipus mentions the messenger is more honest]].
A baby boy was born!\n\nLaius and Jocasta are in no mood to celebrate.\n\nFearing the Delphic prophecy, Laius decides to...\n[[Abandon the baby|Laius gives the baby to a farmer]]\n[[Spare the baby|Laius puts further thought into his decision]]
The Theban elders murmur, "That's nasty."\n\nOedipus wails, "O agony!"\n\nThe chorus asks him why he had gouged his eyes out.\n\n"Apollo, friends, Apollo has laid this agony upon me; not by his hand; I did it.\n\nWhat should I do with eyes where all is ugliness?"\n\nOedipus continues to deny there is any beauty in the world. [[Next.]]
Jocasta continues, "As for the child, it was not yet three days old, when he cast it out... There, then, Apollo did not so contrive it. The offspring did not kill the father."\n\nOedipus thinks upon the familiarity of the story.\n\n[[Oedipus asks a question.]]
Resigned, the shepherd tells Oedipus that Jocasta gave Oedipus to him as a baby to abandon because of a prophecy--that the baby will kill his father and marry his mother.\n\nOedipus dismisses the shepherd and the messenger to gather his own thoughts. He enters the palace.\n\n[[A message has arrived]].
Story of Oedipus's inevitable fate.
The farmer catches one last glance into the baby's eyes.\n\nThe baby is teary-eyed and is starting to cry.\n\n[[Stare at the baby]]\n[[Rescue the baby]]
Laius and Jocasta are the rulers of Thebes. They are celebrating the coming birth of their child.\nThey have recieved [[one new message|The Prophecy]]
Jocasta attempts to stop Oedipus from finding the truth again.\n\nHowever, Oedipus reluctant to give up his quest for answers. “Nonsense: I must pursue this trail to the end.”\n\nHe has a duty as a king to [[get to the bottom of the mystery]].
\nTo be honest, Oedipus had already called for Teiresias.\n\nHowever, despite his summons, Oedipus speculates this old man don’t want none.\n\nTeiresias arrives--blind, and led by an attendant.\n\nOedipus begs Teiresias to shed some light on Thebes’ problems. \n\nThe blind prophet is reluctant to share his knowledge, for he already knows the truth. \n\n\n“I know, as you do not, that you are living in sinful union with the one you love.”\n...Have you eyes, and do not see your own damnation?” (36, 37)\n\nOedipus decides to:\n[[curse the old man]]\n[[get very anger]]\n[[make anger face]]\n
They are deciding what to name their new adopted child.\n\nThey decide to name him...\n[[Oedipus, meaning "swollen foot," based on his pierced foot|name the child Oedipus]]\n[[eddy]]\n[[bob]]\n
Oedipus and Jocasta get married.\n\nThey have four children.\n\nThey live happily ever after-- \n\n[[Maybe not?]]\n
They bring Oedipus to Jocasta.\n\nOedipus thinks Jocasta is beautiful (He doesn't realize she's sorta old. Very old. Old enough to be--and is--his mother).\n\n #whatever\n\n [[ #YOLO let's get married]]
After all, how could asking the servant help them out in any way?\n\nOedipus says, "If we find his story fits with yours, I am absolved. You said he spoke of robbers... If he still says robbers, it was not I... but if he speaks of one lone wayfarer... the finger points to me." (49)\n\nJocasta replies, "But everyone had heard of it, he can't take it back now."\n\n---[[A message has arrived!]]
"An oracle was given to Laius... that he should die by the hands of his own child, his child and mine... Laius,... was killed by outland robbers at a place where three roads meet." (45)\n\nOedipus says:\n"[[Tell me more!]]"\n"[[That sounds familiar...]]" \n"[[Is that so?]]"
The Sphinx licked her lips, readying herself to pounce on Oedipus.\n\n"Man: as a baby, he crawls on all fours, as a man he walks on his feet, and in old age, he uses a walking stick."\n\nThe Sphinx was greatly disappointed and [[allowed him to pass]].\n\nSome rumors say that the Sphinx threw herself off a high rock.
Creon responds, "God will decide, not I." (68)\n\nOedipus mutters, "No god will speak for me."\n\n"Then you will have your wish. But leave the children."\n\n"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! YOU CANNOT DO THIS TO MEEEEE!!!"\n\n"Command no more. Obey. Your rule is ended."\n\nOedipus is dragged away.\n\nEnd.
Jocasta replies, "A servant, the only survivor that returned."\n\nOedipus bites his lips. Hopefully what he fears is not true.\n"Could we have him here without delay?\n...\nO wife, I fear ... I fear that I have said too much, and therefore I must see this man." (47)\n\nJocasta answers, "We could... May I not hear what weighs so heavily on your heart?"\n\nOedipus tells her of his part of the story—how he ran away from home because he heard of his prophecy and came to kill a man at a place where three roads join.\n\n[[Jocasta is worried.]]
Oedipus decides to stay and think for some more time. \n\nThat night, during dinner, he gets into an argument with a servant. When he stands up, he trips on an elongated, conveniently placed piece of table cloth while holding a very sharp knife (his lame foot didn't help either).\n\nHe almost stabs Polybus in the back, even though it would've been clearly an accident (and it is also clear that he wouldn't marry his mother afterwards anyways). \n\nHe is terrified that the prophecy will come true. After this, he decides to [[run away]]
Oedipus consults the Delphic Oracle. \n\nThe oracle tells him, "You will kill your father and marry your mother."\n\n\nOedipus is horrified by this revelation. He decides to\n[[run away]]\n[[stay|think for some more]]\n[[think for some more]]
In the dead of night, Oedipus slips out of the castle unnoticed and runs away as best as he can. \n\nHe decides to go to Thebes because it is the shortest trip (and most convenient for his bad foot).\n\nHe arrives at crossroads. He sees a carriage coming. Both parties are stubbornly impolite and wish to hog the road first. \n\nOedipus gets a bout of "path rage" (known as "road rage" in modern terms) and kills the driver and the elderly man inside the carriage. \n\nHe continues on his merry way to [[Thebes]].\n
“I will tell you. You were given to him-- by me.”\n\nOedipus is in denial. "Was I found?"\n\nThe messenger responds, "You were found up in the mountains of Cithaeron, while I was sheep-tending on the mountain. Another shepherd entrusted you to my care” (54)\n\nOedipus asks, [["And who was he?"]]\n\n\n\n\n\n
Jocasta continues, "As for the child, it was not yet three days old, when he cast it out... There, then, Apollo did not so contrive it. The offspring did not kill the father."\n\nOedipus frowns.\n\n[[Oedipus asks a question.]]
They decide to name the child Oedipus. \n\nMerope says, "What a nice name!"\n\nAfterwards, they raise the child.\n\nPolybus raised Oedipus with great kindness.\n\n[[years later...when Oedipus reaches adolescence]]
Merope says, "What the hell kind of name is that?! Let's just go with Oedipus."\n\n[[name the child Oedipus]]
The baby stares back.\n\nThe farmer starts to feel the guilt racking his soul.\n\n[[Stare at the baby again]]
Oedipus is relieved. \n\nHowever, the messenger interjects, “My dear young man, you are deceived.” (53)\n\nOedipus is worried. "How can that be, seeing I am their son?"\n\nThe messenger replies, "No. Polybus is no kin of yours."\n\nOedipus says, "[[Explain yourself]]."
This time, an attendant has come running from inside the palace.\n\nHe looks at the Theban elders.\n[["Her Majesty is dead."]]
Oedipus arrived at Thebes.\n\nThere was a great celebration because Oedipus had solved the Sphinx's riddle, allowing Thebes to access the world again!\n\nThe people of Thebes were more than happy to [[introduce the hero to their queen]].
"Why... this?" (57)\n\n[[It seems he'll speak now]]
Congratulations, the baby's foot has been pierced by the iron nail! He definitely isn't going anywhere now (not that a day old baby could go anywhere anyways).\n\nThe farmer now [[sets the baby down and turns to leave|The farmer catches one last glance into the baby's eyes.]]
Due to the kindness bestowed upon him by Apollo, the farmer was unable to resist the infant's teary-eyed charm. \n\nHe decides to spare the baby from certain death.\n\nHe comes upon another shepherd from a neighboring town, Corinth. He strikes up an interesting conversation, realizes the other is in need of a baby, then proceeds to offer the baby to him. \n\n[[The shepherd takes the baby]]\n\n\n
Creon comes and sees Oedipus.\n\nOedipus begs to be exiled.\n\n[[Creon says ok.]]\n\nk bye\n\n
Oedipus' children come out and see their father.\n\nCreon admits he knows how much Oedipus loves his children, so he had his attendants lead them here.\n\nOedipus says goodbye.\n\n[[Oedipus begs, "Please, send me away."]]
It was ineffective!\n\n(Teiresias' blindness renders him immune to all facial expressions pointed his way. Try again!)\n\nOedipus decides to:\n[[curse the old man]]\n[[get very anger]]
Oedipus immediately blames Creon for Teiresias' revelation.\n\nCreon, recieving a very rude wake-up, decides to absolve himself of this false claim.\n\nHe asks Oedipus, "Would any man exchange a quiet life, with royal rank assured, for an uneasy throne?" (41)\n\nOedipus doesn't believe him.\n\n[[Jocasta comes over]].
\nAs the king of Thebes, Oedipus has a duty to find who killed the previous king.\n\nHe proclaims, “I’ll start afresh and bring everything into the light!” (31)\n\nThe priest and Theban elders come to Oedipus to discuss their troubles.\n\nOedipus says, “You have prayed; and your prayers shall be answered…” (31)\n\nHe asks them if they know who killed Laius.\n\n *cricket sounds*\n\nOedipus is angered at their silent response. \n\nOedipus curses the killer of Laius, who hasn’t spoken up from the crowd. This only serves to make the crowd unhappier.\n\nA brave Theban elder speaks up and recommends that Oedipus [[consult Teiresias]].\n
Satisfied, Creon leaves Jocasta and Oedipus alone.\n\nJocasta is curious as to why Creon and Oedipus were fighting like children.\n\nThe Theban elders explain how Teiresias had said Thebes' troubles were all Oedipus' fault.\n\nIn an attempt to soothe Oedipus, Jocasta explains to Oedipus how the prophets cannot truly foresee the future.\n\nAfter all, [[her own prophecy]] did not come true.
Creon immediately consults Jocasta.\n\nThey agree upon Creon's credibility.\n\nOedipus still stubbornly believes [[Creon is trying to plot against him]].\n\nOedipus decides to [[forgive Creon]].
Jocasta continues, "As for the child, it was not yet three days old, when he cast it out... There, then, Apollo did not so contrive it. The offspring did not kill the father."\n\nOedipus frowns.\n\n[[Oedipus asks a question.]]
After living rather peacefully for 15 years, a plague had come upon Thebes.\n\nOedipus sends out Creon to consult the Delphic Oracle. \n\nLater, Creon returns with this message:\n\n“...The meaning of the god’s command is that we [[bring the unknown killer to justice]].” (28)\n
The farmer takes the baby and he soon reaches the mountainside.\n\nThe farmer trips.\n\nThe baby pierces his foot on a sharp rock\n\nWoops. At least he wasn't lamed on purpose.\n\nThe farmer now [[sets the baby down and turns to leave|The farmer catches one last glance into the baby's eyes.]]
However, Oedipus is convinced not to kill Creon.\n\nCreon leaves.\n\nJocasta is curious as to why Creon and Oedipus were fighting like children.\n\nThe Theban elders explain how Teiresias had said Thebes' troubles were all Oedipus' fault.\n\nIn an attempt to soothe Oedipus, Jocasta explains to Oedipus how the prophets cannot truly foresee the future.\n\nAfter all, [[her own prophecy]] did not come true.
"Tell me again, where was he killed? And what was he like? How old?"\n\nJocasta answers, "At a place where three roads meet.\n\nHe was tall—silver frosted hair—about your figure."\n\nOedipus is starting to despair.\n\n[[Oedipus wants to ask another question.]]
The shepherd replies, “Indeed I was. The most part of my life a shepherd working in Cithaeron.”\n\nOedipus asks the shepherd whether he knows the messenger or not.\n\n[[The shepherd couldn't remember.]]
The attendant explains the bloody details of Jocasta's suicide.\n\nHe also explains Oedipus blinded himself.\n\n[[Oedipus comes out of the palace, blind.]]
"Shameless and brainless, you sightless, senseless sot!"\n\nIndignant, Teiresias responds, “You are to be pitied, uttering such taunts as all men's mouths must some day cast at /you/.” (38) With that, he leaves. \n\nOedipus blows a raspberry at him as [[he leaves]].
A messenger from Corinth has arrived!\n\nPerhaps, a relief from this tension. . .\n\njk\n\nThe messenger says, “King Polybus, madam, is dead and in his grave.” (51)\n\nOedipus asks, “By foul play, or the accident of sickness?” (52)\n\nThe messenger replies, “Such little accident as puts the old to sleep.”\n\nOedipus says, “Well, well...I was to kill my father; now he lies in his grave, and here am I, who never touched a weapon...unless it could be said grief at my absence killed him-- and so I killed him. But no, [[the letter of the oracle is unfulfilled]] and lies, like Polybus, dead.”\n\n
Stumped, Oedipus stares at his feet. Looking at his lame foot, he suddenly gets an epiphany. \n\nLiving his whole life with a lame leg, he has more insight on this subject.\n\nHe decides to reply, "[[Man.]]"\n\n
"How was the king attended?" \n\nJocasta answers, "Five men in all." (46)\n\nOedipus starts to panic.\n\n[["Who told you this?"]]
Laius puts further thought into his decision.\n\nHowever, the Oracles of Delphi are known for accurate prophecies (100% guaranteed satisfaction, no refunds available) and he and his wife could always try again for another son.\n\nSo, Laius decides to [[abandon the baby|Laius gives the baby to a farmer]]
Oedipus is extremely angered at Teiresias’ accusation and doesn’t believe one word. “Shall I bear more of this? Out of my sight! Go! Quickly, go!” (38)\n\nIndignant, Teiresias responds, “When you can prove me wrong, then call me blind.” (38) With that, he leaves. \n\nOedipus blows a raspberry at him as [[he leaves]].\n
Jocasta leaves.\n\nOedipus, now unhindered by Jocasta, continues his search. “I think I see our shepherd approaching!"\n\nThe shepherd comes, escorted by attendants.\n\nOedipus begs, “Come now, old shepherd--please to look at me, and answer my questions. [[Were you in Laius’ service?]]” (56)\n\n
The Prophecy\n\nThe messenger arrives.\n\n"Your highness, you have a prophecy from the Oracles of Delphi."\n\nLaius and Jocasta decide to hear the prophecy.\n\nThe messenger looks at his papers grimly before taking a deep breath.\n"Your child will murder his father and marry his mother."\s\n\n *le gasp*\n\nThis causes much unrest in Laius and Jocasta.\n\n[[Several days later...| A baby boy was born!]]
However, on his journey to Thebes, he encounters the Sphinx. \n\nThe Sphinx, blocking his way, asks him a riddle:\n"What walks on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three at night?"\n\nOedipus answers:\n[[Man.]]\n[[uhhhhh]]\n[[....?? ? ?|uhhhhh]]
However, Oedipus reluctant to give up his quest for answers. “Nonsense: I must pursue this trail to the end.”\n\nJocasta is angered at his persistance. “I am warning you for your good.”\n\nOedipus ignores her request. “Go, someone; fetch the shepherd.” \n\nJocasta shouts angrily at him, [[“O lost and damned! This is my last and only word to you forever!”]]
Messenger answers, “Another shepherd. I think he was said to be one of Laius’ men.”\n\nOedipus asks, "Could I see him? Do any of you know the fellow--this shepherd of whom he speaks? Now is the chance to [[get to the bottom of the mystery]]."\n\n[[Jocasta is white with terror]]. “What does it matter what man he means? Forget what he has told you...It makes no difference.” (55)\n\nOedipus is still stubbornly trying to figure out the mystery.
The baby stares back.\n\nThe farmer is unsure of what to do.\n\n[[Stare more]]
The shepherd pretends not to know what Oedipus is talking about.\n\n[[Oedipus threatens the man with a very sharp stick]].\n[[Oedipus orders his men to pin the man down]]
The baby stares back.\n\nThe farmer couldn't take it anymore.\n\nHe decides to [[rescue the baby|Rescue the baby]]
Laius gives the baby to a farmer.\n\nLaius orders the farmer to:\n\n[[pierce the baby's foot with an iron nail and abandon him|The iron nail]]\n[[abandon the baby|The farmer takes the baby]]
Merope says, "What the hell kind of name is that?! Let's just go with Oedipus."\n\n[[name the child Oedipus]]
The shepherd is frightened.\n\n[[It seems he'll speak now]]
The shepherd knows that his king and queen are unable to have their own children. \n\nWhen he returns to Corinth, he presents the baby to Polybus and Merope. \n\nThey are overjoyed at the prospect of having their own child, so they [[adopt the baby]]