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.

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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 and instead of leaving it on the mountain passed it to a Corinthian herder. When Oedipus and Jocasta finally summon him to confirm the old story, his reluctance to speak is the last wall standing between the king and the truth.

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Character Web

8 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Truth Revealers and Seekers
Protagonist
Background and Catalysts

+3 more in the full Character Web

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Relationships

Messenger
professional · ambivalent
The Herdsman and Messenger are former colleagues who share critical information about… How this plays out →
Oedipus
professional · negative
Laius
professional · ambivalent
Jocasta
professional · negative
Jocasta
professional · negative
Messenger
professional · ambivalent
The Herdsman and Messenger are former colleagues who share critical information about… How this plays out →
Laius
professional · ambivalent
Oedipus
professional · negative

Messenger
The Herdsman and Messenger are former colleagues who share critical information about Oedipus's past, leading to the revelation of his true identity.
Oedipus
The Herdsman was a servant who once handed the infant Oedipus over to be abandoned, and later reluctantly reveals the truth to Oedipus.
Laius
The Herdsman was a loyal servant of Laius, entrusted with the task of disposing of the infant Oedipus to avoid the prophecy.
Jocasta
The Herdsman was a servant in Jocasta's household, and his testimony shatters her denial of the prophecy involving her son.
Jocasta
The Herdsman was a servant in Jocasta's household, and his testimony shatters her denial of the prophecy involving her son.
Messenger
The Herdsman and Messenger are former colleagues who share critical information about Oedipus's past, leading to the revelation of his true identity.
Laius
The Herdsman was a loyal servant of Laius, entrusted with the task of disposing of the infant Oedipus to avoid the prophecy.
Oedipus
The Herdsman was a servant who once handed the infant Oedipus over to be abandoned, and later reluctantly reveals the truth to Oedipus.

Relationship notes

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

See Herdsman in oedipus rex