Story Summary
Explore the final days of a tragic king in Oedipus at Colonus. Blind and exiled, Oedipus seeks sanctuary and divine peace in a sacred grove near Athens.
After years of wandering as a blind exile, Oedipus arrived at the sacred grove of the Eumenides in Colonus, near Athens. Guided by his faithful daughter Antigone, the broken king sought a final resting place. An oracle had foretold that his burial site would bring divine protection to the land that hosted him. King Theseus of Athens, moved by compassion and respect for the suffering old man, granted Oedipus sanctuary despite his tragic past. When Oedipus's son Polyneices and the Theban regent Creon attempted to seize him to secure the blessing for Thebes, Theseus intervened, protecting the exile's dignity. As a supernatural thunder rolled across the sky, Oedipus realized his time had come. He led Theseus to a secret spot, and there, away from all eyes but the king's, he was miraculously taken by the gods. The tragic hero finally found peace, transforming from a cursed wanderer into a sacred protector of Athens.
The Moral
Even a life marked by tragedy and error can find dignity, redemption, and peace through suffering and the grace of others.
“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love.”
Fun Fact
Sophocles wrote this play when he was nearly ninety years old, and it was produced by his grandson after his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Oedipus at Colonus?
The story teaches that suffering can lead to spiritual wisdom and that even the most cursed individual can find redemption. It also emphasizes the importance of hospitality and the dignity of the elderly and the dying.
Why did Oedipus choose to die at Colonus?
Oedipus followed an oracle which stated he would find his final rest in a place sacred to the Eumenides. He knew his presence would bring a divine blessing to the land that accepted him.
How does King Theseus help Oedipus?
Theseus offers Oedipus Athenian citizenship and protection. He refuses to let Creon kidnap Oedipus's daughters and ensures that Oedipus can die in peace and security.
What is the relationship between Oedipus and his sons in this story?
The relationship is hostile; Oedipus curses his sons, Polyneices and Eteocles, for their neglect and their selfish desire to use his body for political gain rather than caring for him in his exile.
How does Oedipus actually die?
His death is a mystery and a miracle; he is called by a divine voice and disappears in the presence of Theseus. He does not die of natural causes but is 'translated' or taken by the gods.
Is Oedipus at Colonus a sequel to Oedipus Rex?
Yes, it is the second play in Sophocles' Theban trilogy chronologically, though it was written last. It concludes the personal journey of Oedipus after his downfall in the first play.