Edipo Rey - Sófocles | Resumen
Introduction
The story begins in the city of Thebes, which is suffering from a terrible plague. A group of priests seeks help from King Oedipus, who became king after the previous king was mysteriously killed. Oedipus decides to consult the oracle at Delphi for guidance.
Seeking Help for Thebes' Suffering
- The city of Thebes is plagued by a deadly disease and other misfortunes.
- Priests approach King Oedipus for assistance.
- Oedipus became king after the previous king's murder remained unsolved.
- He decides to consult the oracle at Delphi for advice.
The Sphinx and Becoming King
Oedipus saves Thebes from a terrifying sphinx and becomes its king. He marries Queen Jocasta. Oedipus sends his brother-in-law Creon to consult the oracle at Delphi.
Defeating the Sphinx and Becoming King
- Oedipus defeats a fearsome sphinx, saving Thebes.
- As a reward, he is made king and marries Queen Jocasta.
- Oedipus sends his brother-in-law Creon to seek guidance from the oracle at Delphi.
Oracle's Message and Search for Truth
The oracle reveals that in order to end Thebes' suffering, they must find and punish the killer of the former king, Laius. It is believed that Laius' murderer still resides in Thebes.
Oracle's Message and Search for Truth
- Creon returns with news from the oracle.
- To end their suffering, they must find Laius' killer and bring them to justice.
- Oedipus vows to find and punish the unknown murderer.
- He calls upon the blind prophet Tiresias for assistance.
Tiresias' Revelation and Accusations
Tiresias, initially reluctant, reveals that Oedipus himself is the killer of Laius. A heated argument ensues between Oedipus and Tiresias, with accusations being thrown back and forth.
Tiresias' Revelation and Accusations
- Tiresias reluctantly reveals that Oedipus is Laius' killer.
- Oedipus accuses Tiresias of conspiring with Creon against him.
- The argument escalates as Oedipus accuses Tiresias of involvement in the murder.
Conflict with Creon and Jocasta's Intervention
Convinced that Creon is plotting against him, Oedipus declares his intention to execute or banish his brother-in-law. Queen Jocasta believes Creon is innocent and pleads with Oedipus to spare him.
Conflict with Creon and Jocasta's Intervention
- Oedipus believes Creon is conspiring against him.
- He plans to execute or banish Creon.
- Jocasta defends Creon's innocence and asks for mercy.
Jocasta's Revelations about Prophecies
Jocasta tries to convince Oedipus that prophecies can be unreliable by sharing her own experience. She tells him about a prophecy she received in the past regarding her son killing his father and marrying her.
Jocasta's Revelations about Prophecies
- Jocasta shares her own experience with prophecies.
- She received a prophecy that her son would kill his father and marry her.
- However, the prophecy did not come true as her first husband was killed by strangers, and their son died in the mountains.
Oedipus' Realization and Messenger's Arrival
The description of where Laius was killed triggers a realization in Oedipus. A messenger from Corinth arrives with news of King Polybus' death, which brings some relief to Oedipus.
Oedipus' Realization and Messenger's Arrival
- The description of the place where Laius was killed strikes a chord with Oedipus.
- He recalls an incident where he fought and killed several people at that same location.
- A messenger from Corinth arrives with news of King Polybus' death.
Revelation about Adoption and Parentage
The messenger reveals that Oedipus is not the biological son of King Polybus and Queen Merope. He explains how he found baby Oedipus abandoned in the mountains and brought him to Corinth.
Revelation about Adoption and Parentage
- The messenger informs Oedipus that he is not the biological son of King Polybus and Queen Merope.
- He reveals that he found baby Oedipus abandoned in the mountains.
- The messenger brought him to Corinth as a gift for the royal couple.
Search for Truth Continues
Despite learning about his adoption, Oedipus remains concerned about his mother's fate. Jocasta urges him to stop searching for his origins, but he insists on uncovering the truth. The witness to Laius' murder is brought forward.
Search for Truth Continues
- Oedipus is still worried about his mother's well-being.
- Jocasta advises him to abandon the search for his origins.
- Oedipus insists on knowing the story of his birth.
- The witness to Laius' murder is brought forward.
Final Revelation and Tragic Realization
Under threat of death, the witness reveals that he spared baby Oedipus' life and gave him to the messenger. Oedipus realizes that he fulfilled the prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother.
Final Revelation and Tragic Realization
- The witness confesses that he disobeyed orders to kill baby Oedipus and instead gave him to the messenger.
- Oedipus finally understands that he unknowingly fulfilled the prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother.