Laïus, the descendant of Cadmus, and king of Thebes (or Thebè), had been told by an oracle that if a son were born to him by his wife Jocasta the boy would be his father’s death.

      Under such auspices, Oedipus was born, and to elude the prophecy was exposed by his parents on Mount Cithaeron. But he was saved by a compassionate shepherd, and became the adopted son of Polybus, king of Corinth. When he grew up he was troubled by a rumour that he was not his father’s son. He went to consult the oracle of Apollo at Delphi, and was told—not of his origin but of his destiny—that he should be guilty of parricide and incest.

      He was too horror-stricken to return to Corinth, and as he travelled the other way, he met Laïus going from Thebes to Delphi. The travellers quarrelled and the son killed his father, but knew not whom he had slain. He went onward till he came near Thebes, where the Sphinx was making havoc of the noblest citizens, devouring all who failed to solve her riddle. But Oedipus succeeded and overcame her, and, as Laïus did not return, was rewarded with the regal sceptre,—and with the hand of the queen.

      He reigned nobly and prosperously, and lived happily with Jocasta, by whom he had four children.

      But after some years a plague descended on the people, and Apollo, on being inquired of, answered that it was for Laïus’ death. The act of regicide must be avenged. Oedipus undertakes the task of discovering the murderer,—and in the same act discovers his own birth, and the fulfilment of both the former prophecies.

      Jocasta hangs herself, and Oedipus in his despair puts out his eyes.