Oedipus Rex

by Sophocles

Genres: Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology; Short Stories

Synopsis

Oedipus Rex, also known as "Oedipus the King" or "Oedipus the Tyrant, is a play written by Sophocles and was performed sometime between 430 and 426 BCE. It is one of Sophocles' three Theban plays and was actually second to be written although it is first in the chronology of events followed by Oedipus at Colonus and then Antigone. Oedipus Rex is about the story of Oedipus, who, in attempting to flee from his fate, rushes headlong to meet it. Oedipus becomes the King of Thebes after killing Laius, not knowing that he fulfilled a prophecy of killing his own father and marrying his own mother. This play is an example of a classic tragedy and has intense dramatic appeal.