Oedipus explains to Jocasta that the prophet has charged him with Laius's murder, and Jocasta replies that all prophecies are false. Oedipus's wife, Jocasta (also the widow of King Laius), enters and asks why the men shout at one another. Then, before leaving the stage, Tiresias puts forth one last riddle, saying that the murderer of Laius will turn out to be both father and brother to his own children, and the son of his own wife.Īfter Tiresias leaves, Oedipus threatens Creon with death or exile for conspiring with the prophet. At this mention of his parents, Oedipus, who grew up in the distant city of Corinth, asks how Tiresias knew his parents. Tiresias defends his skills as a prophet, noting that Oedipus's parents found him trustworthy. Oedipus brags that he alone was able to solve the puzzle. At that time, a Sphinx held the city captive and refused to leave until someone answered her riddle. He asks why Tiresias did nothing when Thebes suffered under a plague once before. He accuses Creon and Tiresias of conspiring against his life, and charges Tiresias with insanity. Oedipus naturally refuses to believe Tiresias's accusation. These taunts provoke Tiresias into revealing that Oedipus himself is the murderer. Oedipus curses and insults the old man, going so far as to accuse him of the murder. At first he refuses to tell Oedipus what he knows. Tiresias responds cryptically, lamenting his ability to see the truth when the truth brings nothing but pain. Oedipus sends for Tiresias, the blind prophet, and asks him what he knows about the murder. Oedipus promises to solve the mystery of Laius's death, vowing to curse and drive out the murderer. Only one of his fellow travelers escaped alive. Oedipus questions Creon about the murder of Laius, who was killed by thieves on his way to consult an oracle. Creon returns with a message from the Oracle: the plague will end when the murderer of Laius, former king of Thebes, is caught and expelled the murderer is within the city. Oedipus replies that he already sent his brother-in-law, Creon, to the Oracle at Delphi to learn how to help the city. The citizens gather outside the palace of their king, Oedipus, asking him to take action.
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