How does Oedipus at Colonus end?

Oedipus at Colonus ends with Oedipus’s mysterious death in the grove of the Furies, attended by Theseus alone as Antigone and Ismene are kept away. Thunder and a divine voice signal the moment; the messenger describes Oedipus calling Theseus, blessing Athens, and disappearing — whether into earth or gods, the text leaves deliberately sacred.

Theseus then swears to guard the secret tomb so Athens may benefit from its power. Antigone and Ismene reunite to mourn and plan return toward Thebes, where their brothers’ war awaits. The ending transforms exile from pollution into gift: Thebes drove Oedipus out; Athens honored him and gains protection. Students should tie the finale to sacred exile and to Antigone’s sequel — the curse on Polynices lands with force here.