Oedipus in the Ancient Sources: 84 Passages in Greek & English

Hesiod (2)

Hesiod, Fragments 1.19–29Agenor's line, Thebes and BoeotiaThese fragments give the children of Phoenix and Agenor, including Europa, Phineus and Adonis, and then the children of Niobe and the death of Oedipus at Thebes. The rest are brief notes on places and people of Boeotia, such as the river Cephisus, Arnae and Onchestus.
Hesiod, Fragments 1.97–99Ellopia, a fierce boar and the house of AmphiarausA fragment describes the land of Ellopia, its flocks and cattle, and the oak oracle of Dodona. A longer passage describes a terrible fight in which no mortal could face a boar with gleaming tusks except Heracles. The last fragment gives the seer Amphiaraus, his wife Eriphyle and their son Alcmaeon.

Apollodorus (1)

Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome 3.5.1–9Dionysus, Pentheus, Niobe and OedipusDionysus roams Egypt, Syria and Thrace, where Lycurgus is punished, and returns to Thebes, where Agave tears her son Pentheus apart; he also turns the Tyrrhenian pirates into dolphins. Cadmus and Harmonia go to the Encheleans and become serpents, and the house of Labdacus continues through Laius, Antiope with Zethus and Amphion, and Niobe, whose children are shot by Apollo and Artemis. Laius, warned against fathering a son, exposes the infant Oedipus, who kills him unknowingly, answers the Sphinx's riddle, marries Jocasta and learns the truth.

Pindar (1)

Pindar, Olympian Odes 2.1–100Olympian 2: for Theron — the house of Cadmus and the Isles of the BlestPindar praises Theron of Acragas, victor in the chariot race, and prays that time may heal the sorrows of his house. He recalls the house of Cadmus, with Laïus, Oedipus, the Fury that made his sons kill one another, and Polyneices' son Thersander. He then describes the afterlife, in which the wicked are punished and the good go to the Isles of the Blest, where Rhadamanthys judges and Peleus, Cadmus and Achilles dwell, and he ends by answering envy with the praise of Theron's generosity.

Aeschylus (4)

Aeschylus, Seven against Thebes 653–719Third episode: Eteocles decides to fight his brotherEteocles laments the curse of Oedipus on his family, and says that he will himself stand at the seventh gate to fight Polyneices. The Chorus beg him not to stain his hands with a brother's blood, but he answers that if evil must come, it should come without dishonour, and that when the gods give evils one cannot flee them.
Aeschylus, Seven against Thebes 720–791Third stasimon: the curse on the house of LaiusThe Chorus sing of the old crime of Laius and of the curse of Oedipus, which has led his sons to divide their inheritance with the sword. They fear the Erinys, the spirit of the curse, and sing that the house may fall and that the city may be saved only at the cost of its kings.
Aeschylus, Seven against Thebes 875–1010Exodos: the lament for the two brothersThe Chorus and the sisters Antigone and Ismene sing a long lament over the two brothers. They speak of the curse of Oedipus that has been fulfilled, of the wounds the brothers gave and took, and of the grief that they bring on their house, and Antigone and Ismene ask where the brothers shall be buried.
Aeschylus, Seven against Thebes 792–874Fourth episode: the Messenger announces the deathsA Messenger tells the Chorus that the city is saved, since the attackers at six of the gates have been beaten, but that the two brothers have killed each other at the seventh gate, as their father's curse foretold. The Chorus, torn between joy and grief, sing a short lament for the dead princes and the fulfilment of the curse. They then see Antigone and Ismene coming to mourn their brothers.

Sophocles (51)

Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus 999–1075Fourth episode (cont.): the messenger reveals that Oedipus was found as a childThe messenger tries to reassure Oedipus by telling him that Polybus and Merope were not his parents. He says that he himself received the child from another shepherd, a servant of Laius, on Mount Cithaeron and freed him when his ankles were pinned together. Iocasta, who sees the truth, begs Oedipus to stop asking and runs into the palace, and Oedipus says that he must know who he is.
Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus 300–403First episode (cont.): Oedipus and Teiresias quarrelOedipus asks the blind seer Teiresias to help the city, and Teiresias answers that knowledge is terrible when it does not help the one who has it, and tries to go home without speaking. Oedipus presses him and accuses him of having had a part in the murder, and Teiresias answers that Oedipus himself is the unholy defiler of the land and lives in unknown shame with his closest kin. Oedipus then suspects that Creon has put the seer up to this to seize his throne.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1–83Prologue: Oedipus and Antigone arrive at the sacred groveThe blind Oedipus asks Antigone where they have come, and she describes the towers of a city far off and a grove thick with laurel, olive and vine, where nightingales sing. She seats him on a rough stone, and a stranger comes and tells him to leave, for the ground is sacred to the dread goddesses, the Eumenides. The stranger tells them that the place is called Colonus and that Theseus is king of Athens, and says that he will tell the people of the district, who will decide whether they may stay.
Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus 513–582Second episode: Creon and OedipusCreon comes in indignation because he has heard that Oedipus accuses him of treason. Oedipus, who comes from the palace, charges him with plotting with Teiresias to seize the throne and says that he must die. Creon asks what the wrong is, and in questioning shows that Teiresias did not name Oedipus in Laius' time, and Oedipus answers that he is a false friend.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 495–550Second episode: Oedipus tells his story; Theseus arrivesOedipus says that he cannot go to make the offering himself, being weak and blind, and Ismene goes to perform the rite for him. The Chorus ask him to tell his story, and he says that he suffered through unintended deeds, in a marriage into which the city bound him unknowing and in a killing which he did in ignorance. The Chorus announce that Theseus, the son of Aegeus, has come at the sound of his voice.
Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus 1132–1185Fifth episode: the herdsman's confessionThe Corinthian reminds the old servant of the time they spent together on Cithaeron and of the child that he gave him. The servant tries to keep silent, but under threat he says that the child was said to be the son of Laius, given to him by Iocasta to be destroyed, and that he gave it away out of pity. He tells Oedipus that if he is the child, he was born ill-fated, and Oedipus cries that all is now clear.
Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus 698–770Third episode: Iocasta and the death of LaiusIocasta asks Oedipus the reason for his anger, and he tells her that Creon, through the seer, accuses him of the blood of Laius. She tells him not to believe prophets, and says that Laius was told that he would be killed by his son, abandoned the infant to die, and was himself killed by robbers where three roads meet. Oedipus is struck by the place, asks about the time and about the appearance of Laius and his escort, and learns that one servant survived and was sent away to the pastures.
Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus 911–998Fourth episode: the Corinthian messengerIocasta comes out to take offerings to Apollo and pray for an escape from their fear. A messenger from Corinth arrives and tells Iocasta and Oedipus that Polybus is dead, and Iocasta mocks the oracles. Oedipus is relieved that he is not his father's killer, but says that he still fears the oracle about his mother, Merope.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 800–846aThird episode (cont.): the quarrel and the seizure of AntigoneCreon tells Oedipus that his age has not given him sense, and Oedipus says that his clever speeches are no use. Creon then reveals that he has already seized one of Oedipus' daughters and sent her away, and that he will take the other. The Chorus protest and cry out for the men of Colonus to help as Creon's men drag Antigone away.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 361–420First episode (cont.): Ismene's news from ThebesIsmene tells of the quarrel of her brothers, who first wished to leave the throne to Creon but are now fighting for it, and of Polyneices, who has been driven out and is raising an army at Argos. She brings oracles saying that the Thebans will need Oedipus, living or dead, and that Creon will come to settle him on the border of Theban land. Oedipus asks whether his sons knew this and still preferred the throne, and she answers that they did.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 551–606Second episode (cont.): Theseus' kindness and Oedipus' requestTheseus says that, having himself been brought up in exile and danger, he would never turn away a stranger such as Oedipus. Oedipus answers that he has come to give his body as a gift, not for its looks but for its profit, which will become clear when he is dead and Theseus has buried him. He warns that his sons will try to carry him off to Thebes, because an oracle makes them fear his presence.
Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus 78–150Prologue (cont.): Creon brings the oracle of ApolloCreon returns with the answer of Apollo that the land is polluted and that the killers of the former king Laius must be banished or killed for their blood. Oedipus asks how Laius died, and is told that all his companions were killed except one who fled and reported that robbers attacked them. Oedipus promises to start afresh and to avenge Laius, since the killer might turn on him too, and the Priest leads the suppliants away.

39 more passages of Sophocles that name Oedipus

Euripides (13)

Euripides, Phoenician Women 1639–1766Exodos: Antigone defies Creon; Oedipus goes into exileAntigone argues against Creon's decree, vows to bury Polyneices and refuses to marry Haemon, choosing to share her father's exile. Oedipus embraces his dead family and says that he is to die at Colonus in Athens. He bids the citizens farewell and leaves with Antigone.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1539–1583Exodos: Oedipus learns of the deathsOedipus comes out, led by Antigone, and asks why she has summoned him. She tells him that his sons and his wife are dead, and that his curse has been fulfilled. She describes the duel and Jocasta's death.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1–87Prologue: Jocasta tells the story of the house of OedipusJocasta tells how Laius ignored the oracle and begot Oedipus, who killed his father at the crossroads and married her after solving the Sphinx's riddle. She says that Oedipus blinded himself when he learned the truth, and that his sons shut him in the palace and he curses them. Eteocles refused to give up the throne after a year, and Polyneices has come with an Argive army, but she has arranged a meeting under truce.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1584–1638Exodos: Creon banishes Oedipus and forbids burial of PolyneicesCreon tells Oedipus that Eteocles made him ruler and that Teiresias has said that Oedipus must leave. Oedipus laments his fate and says that he will not beg. Creon orders that Polyneices be cast out unburied, on pain of death for anyone who buries him.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 834–895Fourth episode: Teiresias arrives and hints at a hidden remedyTeiresias comes, led by his daughter, and Creon helps him to a seat. He tells how he has just given the Athenians victory over Eumolpus. He says that the troubles of Thebes began with Laius, and hints that there is one way to save the city, but says that he will not tell it.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 784–832Second choral song: the Chorus reproaches Ares and recalls the curse on ThebesThe Chorus asks Ares why he loves blood and war instead of the festivals of Bromius. They wish that Oedipus had died on Cithaeron and the Sphinx had never come. They recall the Sown Men, the wedding of Harmonia and the building of the walls to Amphion's lyre.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1307–1355Exodos: Creon and a Messenger bring news of the deadCreon enters, carrying the body of Menoeceus, and asks for Jocasta. The Chorus tells him that she has gone to the brothers. A Messenger arrives and tells him that both sons and Jocasta are dead.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1480–1538aExodos: Antigone's lament over the three bodiesThe Chorus sees three corpses lying at the palace. Antigone comes out, sings of her grief for her mother and brothers, and fears a lonely life ahead. She calls on her blind father to come out of the house.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 261–300First episode: Polyneices enters Thebes under trucePolyneices enters Thebes warily, drawing his sword, because he fears a trap even under the truce. He asks the Chorus who they are and learns that they are Phoenician women on the way to Delphi. He tells them his name, and they call Jocasta out to greet him.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 301–378First episode: Jocasta and Polyneices meet againJocasta comes out and embraces Polyneices, and tells of her mourning and of Oedipus' despair. She regrets that his marriage was made in a foreign land without her. Polyneices says that he has come in fear, but that all men love their native land, and asks about his father and sisters.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1019–1066Third choral song: the Sphinx, Oedipus, and praise for MenoeceusThe Chorus sings of the Sphinx and her seizing of Theban youths, and of Oedipus, who solved her riddle and then married his mother. They admire the youth who has died for his country, and pray that they may bear such sons. They call on Pallas, who helped Cadmus against the serpent.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1202–1263Fifth episode: the Messenger reports the brothers' challenge to single combatJocasta thanks the gods, but presses the Messenger to say more. He reluctantly tells her that Eteocles offered single combat to Polyneices to decide the throne, that Polyneices agreed, and that both armies swore a truce. He tells her that the brothers are arming, and urges her to try to stop them.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1356–1426Messenger speech: the brothers' duelThe Messenger describes how the brothers prayed to Hera and Athena and then fought between the armies. Each wounded the other, and Eteocles used a Thessalian trick to stab Polyneices through the belly. As he began to strip his fallen brother, Polyneices drove his sword into him, and both lay dead.

Aristophanes (1)

Aristophanes, Frogs 1173–1215Agon: the prologue of Oedipus and the bottle of oilDionysus points out that Aeschylus is speaking to the dead, who cannot hear, and Euripides says that his own prologues contain nothing said twice. Aeschylus takes Euripides' line that Oedipus was happy at first and shows that he was unhappy from birth, as he was exposed in a pot, limped away and married his own mother. Euripides recites more prologues, and Aeschylus finishes each with 'lost his bottle of oil'.

Diodorus Siculus (1)

Diodorus Siculus, Library of History, Books 4 to 6 (the Greek myths) 4.64.1–4.66.6Oedipus, the Seven against Thebes and the EpigoniLaïus is killed by his unknown son Oedipus, who solves the riddle of the Sphinx and, unknowingly marrying his mother, has two sons and two daughters; the sons quarrel over the throne. Polyneices gathers an army against Thebes and Eriphyle, bribed with the necklace of Harmonia, sends Amphiaraüs to his death; the Seven fail, and the Athenians force the Thebans to give up the dead. At the seer Teiresias' advice the Thebans leave the city for Tilphossaeum, and the Epigoni take and sack it, dedicating Teiresias' daughter Daphne to Delphi, where she is also called Sibylla.

Pausanias (8)

Pausanias, Description of Greece 9.18.1–6Thebes: the road to Chalcis, the tombs of Melanippus, Tydeus, Oedipus' children, Tiresias and HectorPausanias follows the road from Thebes to Chalcis by the Proetidian gate, noting the grave of Melanippus and three unwrought stones said to mark Tydeus. He describes the tombs of the children of Oedipus, where the flame and smoke of the sacrifices are said to divide, and the cenotaph of Tiresias. At Thebes he also notes the grave of Hector, whose bones were brought from Ilium by an oracle, the fountain of Oedipus and the grave of Asphodicus.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 9.5.1–16Thebes: Cadmus, Amphion and Zethus, Oedipus and the early kingsPausanias gives the early history of Thebes: the Ectenians under Ogygus, then Hyantians and Aonians, then Cadmus, who founded the Cadmea, and the Sparti. He traces the line of Polydorus, Labdacus and Laius, and Amphion and Zethus, who added the lower city. He argues from Homer that Oedipus' children were by Euryganea and not Jocasta, and ends with Polynices and Eteocles, the second expedition of the Argives and the later kings.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 10.5.1–13From Daulis to Delphi: the Phocicum, the Cleft Way and the early oracle and temples of ApolloPausanias describes the Phocicum, where the Phocian deputies meet, and the Cleft Way where Oedipus killed his father. He recounts the different traditions about the early oracle of Delphi and its first prophetesses, from Earth and Themis to Phemonoe, Boeo and Olen. He then gives the successive temples of Apollo: laurel, wax and feathers, bronze, the stone temple of Trophonius and Agamedes, and the present one built by the Amphictyons.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.28.1–11Athens: Acropolis offerings, the Areopagus and the courts of justicePausanias lists offerings on the Acropolis, including Phidias’ bronze Athena from the Marathon spoils and the Lemnian Athena, then the Pelasgian wall and a cave sanctuary of Apollo. Below it he describes the Areopagus, the sanctuary of the Venerable Ones (the Furies) and the tomb of Oedipus. He ends with the Athenian law courts, from the Parabystum and the Heliaea to the Palladium, Delphinium, Prytaneum and Phreattys, with the stories of Demophon, Theseus, the Ox-slayer’s axe and Teucer.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.30.1–4Athens: the Academy, tomb of Plato and ColonusAt the Academy are an altar of Love and, in the city, an altar of Love Returned, with the story of Meles and Timagoras. Pausanias describes the altar of Prometheus and the torch race, the altars of the Muses, Hermes, Athena and Hercules, an olive plant, and Plato’s tomb with Socrates’ dream of the swan. Nearby are the tower of Timon and Colonus Hippius, with its altar of Horse Poseidon and shrine of Pirithous, Theseus, Oedipus and Adrastus, burnt by Antigonus.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 9.2.1–7Plataea: the tomb of Mardonius, the graves of the Persian war and the temple of HeraPausanias describes the ruins of Hysiae and Erythrae on Mount Cithaeron and the supposed tomb of Mardonius, and the spring and rock at which Actaeon is said to have looked on Artemis. He discusses the places linked to Pentheus and Oedipus on Cithaeron. At Plataea he describes the graves of the Greeks who fought the Medes, the altar of Zeus of Freedom and the Eleutheria games, the trophy and the shrine of the heroine Plataea. He ends with the temple of Hera, with its Praxitelean images of Rhea and Hera Full-grown and the seated Bride by Callimachus.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 9.25.1–10Thebes: tomb of Menoeceus, Dirce, Pindar's house and the CabiriPausanias describes the tomb of Menoeceus with its pomegranate-tree, the pillar marking the single combat of Oedipus' sons and the place called the Dragging of Antigone. He notes the river Dirce, Pindar's house and the sanctuary of Mother Dindymene, and the sanctuaries of Themis, the Fates, Zeus of the Market and Hercules Nose-docker. He ends with the grove and sanctuary of the Cabiri, giving the Theban account of their rites and of the punishment of those who profaned them.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 9.26.1–8The Cabirian plain, the Sphinx's mountain, Onchestus and Thespiae: Saviour ZeusPausanias describes the plain of Tenerus and the sanctuary of Hercules the Horse-binder near the Cabirian sanctuary, and the mountain of the Sphinx with three different accounts of who she was. He passes the ruins of Onchestus with its temple of Poseidon and comes to Thespiae, telling how Menestratus saved the city from a dragon by wearing a breast-plate studded with fish-hooks, which gave Zeus the surname Saviour.

Epic Cycle (2)

Epic Cycle, Summaries and Fragments 1.1–2.3Titanomachy and OedipodeaThe Epic Cycle begins with the union of Heaven and Earth, who make three hundred-handed sons and three Cyclopes. The fragments of the War of the Titans name Aether, Aegaeon and Zeus dancing, and the Oedipodea fragments say that Oedipus' sons were born of Euryganeia, not Iocasta, and that the Sphinx killed Haemon.
Epic Cycle, Summaries and Fragments 3.1–4.4Thebaid and EpigoniThe Thebaid fragments tell how Polyneices set a silver table before Oedipus and how Oedipus called down a curse on his sons when he saw the haunch, and how Adrastus fled Thebes with Areion. The Epigoni is quoted for the Teumesian fox and for Manto, the daughter of Teiresias, who was sent to Delphi.

Oedipus in the ancient sources

Hesiod (2)

Apollodorus (1)

Pindar (1)

Aeschylus (4)

Sophocles (51)

Euripides (13)

Aristophanes (1)

Diodorus Siculus (1)

Pausanias (8)

Epic Cycle (2)