What was the Oracle’s advice to get rid of the terrible plague in Oedipus Rex?

Answer

What was the Oracle’s advice to get rid of the terrible plague in Oedipus Rex?

Sophocles (c. 496 BCE – 406 BCE) is one of the greatest ancient Greek tragedians. His tragedy “Oedipus Rex” (first performed in c. 429 BC) begins with a terrible plague in Thebes. It causes widespread suffering. Oedipus is a good king and he wants to save his people from this plague. So, the king sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to the oracle of Apollo at Delphi to seek advice. He says:

I have sent… Creon… to inquire Of Pythian Phoebus at his Delphic shrine,

How I might save the State by act or word.

The Oracle’s Advice: Creon returns from the oracle with a hopeful message. The message declares that the murderer of the former king Laius is still living in Thebes.  As the murderer still lives in Thebe, the people are suffering. If the murderer is found and punished, the plague will end.

Oedipus’s Reaction: Oedipus is determined to save Thebes and bring the murderer to justice. He curses the unknown killer:

Now my curse on the murderer…

Let that man drag out his life in agony, step by painful step—

He also vows (promises) to punish him harshly. Here, Oedipus unknowingly curses himself. Because he is actually the murderer of King Laius. After hearing the Oracle’s advice, Oedipus starts the investigation. 

In short, this advice sets the play into action. Because of this advice, Oedipus starts his investigation. Finally, he finds that he himself is Laius’ murderer and he has married his own mother Jocasta.