# Herdsman — Oedipus Rex character guide

> Herdsman in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Herdsman Alack

**First appearance:** 0002-oedipus-rex

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/messenger)

_professional_

The Herdsman and Messenger are former colleagues who share critical information about Oedipus's past, leading to the revelation of his true identity.

### [Oedipus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/oedipus)

_professional_

The Herdsman was a servant who once handed the infant Oedipus over to be abandoned, and later reluctantly reveals the truth to Oedipus.

### [Laius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/laius)

_professional_

The Herdsman was a loyal servant of Laius, entrusted with the task of disposing of the infant Oedipus to avoid the prophecy.

### [Jocasta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/jocasta)

_professional_

The Herdsman was a servant in Jocasta's household, and his testimony shatters her denial of the prophecy involving her son.

### [Jocasta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/jocasta)

_professional_

The Herdsman was a servant in Jocasta's household, and his testimony shatters her denial of the prophecy involving her son.

### [Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/messenger)

_professional_

The Herdsman and Messenger are former colleagues who share critical information about Oedipus's past, leading to the revelation of his true identity.

### [Laius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/laius)

_professional_

The Herdsman was a loyal servant of Laius, entrusted with the task of disposing of the infant Oedipus to avoid the prophecy.

### [Oedipus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/oedipus)

_professional_

The Herdsman was a servant who once handed the infant Oedipus over to be abandoned, and later reluctantly reveals the truth to Oedipus.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/herdsman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters