Great Greek Myths | Oedipus: The Riddle Solver (Episode 18)

Episode 18: No mortal endured more terrible a tragedy than Oedipus. He was the son of King Laius, King of Thebes, who, as a young man, having abused King Pelops’ son, caused his death. The Gods forbade him to have offspring, and decreed that if Laius gave birth to a son, that son would kill him. However his wife Jocasta did give birth to a son, Oedipus. Laius removed Oedipus from Thebes, and he grew up far away from the city, without knowing his true identity or the curse that weighed upon on him.

Once Oedipus had reached adulthood, he met a man on a chariot, who threatened him. Oedipus killed him. He then went to Thebes, and prepared to tackle the Sphinx, because he had heard that whoever managed to slay the terrible animal threatening the city could marry the recently widowed Queen Jocasta, and become King of Thebes…