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Oedipus Rex · Character

Herdsman

The old Theban shepherd who survived the ambush that killed Laius and once carried an infant out to die on Mount Cithaeron.

supporting

Also known as Herdsman Alack

First appearance: oedipus rex

As a supporting figure in Oedipus Rex, Herdsman is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

The herdsman is the last living witness to Laius's murder, the one man who fled the attack and could say how many robbers struck. He is also the shepherd who, years earlier, was given a doomed infant with riveted feet…

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The fuller portrait of Herdsman sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Herdsman in oedipus rex

Character Web

8 connections

A slice of how Herdsman sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

MEMessengerOEOedipusLALaiusJOJocastaTETeiresiasHEHerdsman

Relationship types

  • Professional
  • Other

Character groups

  • Truth Revealers and Seekers
  • Protagonist
  • Background and Catalysts

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Relationships

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Herdsman in oedipus rex
Who is Herdsman in Oedipus Rex?