How Does Oedipus Finally Discover the Real Identity of the Killer of Laius?

Answer

How does Oedipus finally discover the real identity of the killer of Laius in Oedipus Rex?

Oedipus Rex is a masterpiece of Sophocles (496-406 B.C.), first performed around 429 BC. In this Greek tragedy, Oedipus’s discovery of Laius’s killer is a significant moment in the story. Oedipus discovers the real identity of the killer of Laius through a series of revelations. 

Oracle’s Advice: First, Oedipus sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to the Oracle at Delphi to find out how to end the plague that has struck Thebes. The Oracle tells Creon that the plague will end when the murderer of Laius, the former king, is found and punished. Then he says,

Now my curse on the murderer. Whoever he is, a lone man unknown in his crime or one among many, let that man drag out his life in agony, step by painful step . . .

These are the most tragic and ironic lines of this play. He curses the murderer of King Laius as well as himself. But he does not know the truth.

The Chorus’s Role: Throughout the play, the Chorus serves as a collective voice. They comment on the unfolding events and provide insight into the characters’ actions. The Chorus plays a vital role in maintaining the tension and suspense of the narrative as they express the city’s fear and despair due to the plague. They also raise questions about Oedipus’s actions and the consequences of his pursuit of truth. It adds to the dramatic tension.

Oedipus’s Investigation: Oedipus then launches his investigation and questions a blind prophet named Tiresias. Tiresias initially refuses to reveal the identity of the murderer. Because of the pressure on Oedipus, Tiresias eventually tells Oedipus that he is the killer himself. 

I say that you are the murderer whom you seek.

Oedipus is shocked by the revelation and refuses to believe it. He accuses Creon of conspiring against him and begins to suspect that Tiresias is lying. However, as he continues investigating, he discovers evidence supporting Tiresias’s claim.

Jocasta’s Realization: Jocasta, Oedipus’s wife and mother (though neither are aware of their relationship), starts to piece together the truth. Horrified, she attempts to dissuade Oedipus from pursuing further revelations: 

For god’s love, let us have no more questioning! Is your life nothing to you? My own poor Oedipus, what is left for you to desire or avoid?

Revelation of the Ultimate Truth: According to the prophecy of the Oracle, Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother. A messenger arrives from Corinth and tells Oedipus that his father, King Polybus, has died. Hearing the news, Oedipus feels relieved. He has not killed his father. He thinks the prophecy is wrong. However, the messenger reveals that Polybus was not Oedipus’s biological father. Polybus adopted Oedipus. This revelation makes him shocked. He finally realizes that he unknowingly killed his real father, Laius, and married his mother. The prophecy has come true.

Consequences of the Truth: After knowing the horrible truth, Jocasta commits suicide by hanging herself. Oedipus feels devastated. He destroys his own eyes with the golden pins of Jocasta’s brooches. He wants his banishment. He outbursts with agony and shame.

 I have suffered, friends, the worst horrors on earth, suffered against my will I swear to god, not a single thing self-willed—

These points illustrate the gradual revelation of the truth to Oedipus through various characters and events. The play’s climax is the shattering moment when Oedipus fully understands the extent of his unwitting actions. He could not avoid the inevitable course of destiny.