What Was the Prophecy of Tiresias about Oedipus?
Oedipus Rex is a notable literary work by Sophocles. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Oedipus Rex.
Answer
What was Tiresias’ prophecy about Oedipus?
“Oedipus Rex” (429 BC) is one of the most famous plays in ancient Greece. It was written by the great Greek tragedian Sophocles (496-406 BC). In the play, Tiresias, the blind prophet in Greek mythology, foretells a tragic prophecy about Oedipus. He revealed Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother. This will bring immense sorrow and devastation.
Oedipus’s Patricide and Incest: Tiresias mysteriously hints at Oedipus’s fate. This suggests he is the root of the plague in Thebes. He states,
I say you are the murderer whom you seek
Tiresias indicates that Oedipus has unknowingly killed his father, King Laius, and married his mother, Queen Jocasta, fulfilling a chilling prophecy.
Oedipus’s Blindness to Truth: Despite Tiresias’s warnings, Oedipus refuses to accept the truth. He accuses Tiresias of conspiring against him. Tiresias warns,
You mock my blindness, do you? But I say that you, with both your eyes, are blind
This highlights Oedipus’s metaphorical blindness to his identity and fate. Again, this emphasizes his tragic flaw of hubris.
The Unraveling of Oedipus’ Identity: Tiresias’s prophecy triggers a relentless pursuit by Oedipus to uncover the truth about his origins. This leads to the shocking revelation of his patricide and incestuous marriage. Tiresias’s words act as a catalyst. This sets Oedipus on a path to self-discovery and tragic realization.
The Futility of Escaping Fate: Tiresias’s prophecy highlights the inevitability of fate and the futility of attempting to defy it. Despite his attempts to change destiny by fleeing Corinth, Oedipus ultimately fulfills the prophecy. This reveals the powerlessness of mortals against the gods’ will.
Tiresias’s prophecy is very significant. His prophecy shapes the course of Oedipus’s life and the unfolding tragedy. It highlights the themes of fate, blindness, and the inescapable consequences of one’s actions. This ultimately leads to Oedipus’s downfall as he fulfills the prophecy he desperately tries to avoid.