Oedipus Rex Timeline

A prophecy is given to Oedipus’s parents. The prophecy states that Oedipus would kill his father and lay with his mother.

This causes Oedipus to be sent away by his mother, therefore Oedipus runs away from his family to change prophecy. This is the catalyst for the story.

“I must sleep with my own mother and shed paternal blood with my own hands”

Oedipus is born to King Laius and Queen Jocasta of Thebes.

This event is significant because it is the birth of the main character.

The shepherd said of Oedipus birth, “…he was from the house of Laius.”

Oedipus’s parents sent him to die by leaving him out on his own and stabbed stakes through his feet.

This gave Oedipus his name which means “swollen feet.” It also causes Oedipus to run from his home which eventually leads to him fulfilling the prophecy.

The Messenger tells Oedipus, “I found you in the woody glens of Cithaeron.”

The Shepherd gives the Messenger Oedipus.

Because of this, Oedipus ends up in Corinth being an adopted son of King Polybus.

The Messenger said to Oedipus, “No, another shepherd gave you to me.”

The Messenger gave Oedipus to King Polybus who adopts Oedipus and raises him as his own.

This event is very significant Oedipus has always thought that Polybus was his birth father.

“Know that he took you as a gift from my own arms” said the Messenger to Oedipus.

Oedipus leaves Corinth for fear of killing Polybus, who he thought was his father. He then kills King Laius, his real father, at the crossroads.

This event is significant because Oedipus has now fulfilled part of the prophecy.

“But he more than paid for it and soon was struck by the scepter from this very hand, lying on his back, at once thrown out of the car. I killed them all.” Said Oedipus about his encounter with the chariot at the crossroads.

Oedipus solved the riddle of the sphinx ending streak of terror it has caused.

This causes Oedipus to become crowned King of Thebes for saving the city.

The Priest said of Oedipus, “It was you who came and released Cadmus’ Town from the tribute we paid to the cruel songstress…”

Oedipus marries Jocasta and takes control of the city Thebes.

This event fulfills the second part of the prophecy.

“Well, then- are you still married to my sister?” said Creon.

Oedipus sends Creon to the Oracle at Delphi.

This is important because they needed to find out how the gods say that the people of Thebes should solve the plague.

“And that which my inquiry found our only cure I have done, for I have sent Creon, son of Menoeceus, m own brother –in-law, to Apollo’s home at Pytho, so that he may learn what I should do or say to save this city.” Said Oedipus.

Creon returns to Oedipus with a solution to the plague.

This event is significant because it brings on the search for the killer of the former king, Laius.

“Phoebus clearly ordered us, my lord, to drive out the pollution being fostered in this very land, not to nurture it unhealed.” Said Creon about what the god told him to do to solve the plague.

Oedipus declares that he will banish the killer of Laius.

This is significant because now Oedipus begins searching for the killer and eventually finds his true past.

“And if the culprit fears this accusation, he should lose his fear and come forward, for he will suffer nothing worse than safe exile from this land.” Said Oedipus.

Tiresias, an old blind prophet, blames Oedipus for the murder of Laius.

This is significant because it is the first time Oedipus hears that he is the killer.

“I say that you slew the man whose slayer you seek.” Said Tiresias to Oedipus.

Oedipus blames Tiresias and Creon for framing Oedipus for the murder of Laius.

This is a significant because Oedipus does not trust the two wisest men in the city who know the truth about the killer of King Laius.

“I think you both-you and the one who framed these things-will regret your urge to cleanse this land, but if you were not so old, you’d learn now what such words earn.” Said Oedipus to Tiresias.

Oedipus and Jocasta talk about prophecies and she claims that prophecies are false.

This is significant because she is telling him not to worry about what was prophesied of him.

“You now, free yourself from these matters; listen to me and learn why nothing mortal can show you anything of prophecy.” Said Jocasta to Oedipus.

Oedipus summons the one survivor of the incident at the crossroads to see if he was the killer of Laius.

This event is of great importance because it shows that Oedipus is beginning to worry that he might actually be the killer.

“You reason well, but, nevertheless, send someone to fetch the servant and don’t neglect it.” Said Oedipus to Jocasta.

A messenger tells Oedipus that Polybus is dead by natural causes.

This gives Oedipus a false sense that he did not kill his father.

“He is from Corinth, announcing that your father Polybus is no more, but has perished.” Said Jocasta to Oedipus about why the messenger was there.

Oedipus shares with Jocasta and the Messenger that he was prophesied to kill his father and lay with his mother.

This is important because nobody knew that Oedipus was aware of the prophecy.

“Loxias once told me that I must sleep with my own mother and shed paternal blood with my own hands.” Said Oedipus.

Oedipus learns of his misfortune and the truth behind his swollen feet.

This event is significant because he first learns of his past.

“I freed you when your feet were pieced at the ankles.” Said the Messenger to Oedipus.

Oedipus sends for the Shepherd so he can speak to him.

This is significant because Oedipus is searching for answers to his past.

“Will someone go and bring the shepherd to me?” said Oedipus.

Jocasta now leaves the castle entryway and goes into the castle.

This is significant because it is the last time we will see her alive.

“Alas, alas-unhappy man! This alone can I say to you, and nothing else ever after.” Said Jocasta to Oedipus as she leaves.

The Shepherd tells Oedipus that he is the son of Laius.

This makes Oedipus realize that the prophecy came true.

“He was said to be the child of that man himself, but your wife could explain the situation best.” Said the Shepherd of Oedipus.

Jocasta is found dead hanging in the palace.

This is significant because Oedipus never saw her as his mother until she was dead. This is also the beginning of Oedipus deep suffering.

“Then inside we saw the woman hanging, al twisted up in a twisted noose.” Said the Servant to the Chorus outside the palace.

Oedipus gouges his eyes out with Jocasta’s brooches.

This shows us how desperate and depressed he felt about his life.

“Repeating these things, many times and not once only he raised his hands and struck his eyes.”

Oedipus goes to Creon who tells him that he will go to the oracle and see how he should spend the rest of his life.

This shows that while Creon was shown hate by Oedipus, Creon still wants to please the gods.

“You would ask on behalf of one so wretched?” Said Oedipus to Creon.

Oedipus apologizes to his daughters for bringing them into this world in such a terrible situation.

This shows that Oedipus truly cares for his daughters and wishes that he could raise them in a better place and in a holier way.

“And I weep for you, although I cannot see you” said Oedipus to his daughters.

Oedipus is led into the palace by attendants.

This is significant because it is the final event of the play.

"You have gone far enough in weeping; go inside.” Said Creon to Oedipus.