Sophocles

The Theban Plays: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone Sophocles

The Theban tragedies are connected by the myth of the House of Laius, a myth that begins with Laius' disregard of and disdain for one of Apollo's oracles. Apollo told Laius, that he must not have an heir because that heir would kill him. Laius disobeyed Apollo and the boy Oedipus born. Apollo the unfailing prophet was right.

Oedipus unknowingly did kill Laius then, in turn again unknowingly, became king of Thebes, married his own mother and had two sons and two daughters with her. The sin of incest was just too abhorrent for the gods and Thebes, Oedipus' kingdom, was suddenly heading for total destruction.

Oedipus Rex is a stunning suspense story, a forensic thriller that culminates in the most unexpected resolution... with consequences that ripple through Sophocles' other Theban plays.