# What is the prophecy in Oedipus Rex?

> Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

## Answer

The core prophecy, repeated in different voices, is that Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother. Laius and Jocasta hear it before Oedipus is born; the exposed infant survives and is raised by Polybus and Merope in Corinth. When a drunk taunt or oracle suggests the same fate, adult Oedipus leaves Corinth to protect those he believes are his parents.

On the road he kills Laius — not knowing the stranger is his father — and later solves the Sphinx’s riddle, winning the throne and Jocasta’s hand. The play’s investigation reveals that every attempt to dodge Apollo’s word has woven the net tighter. Students should distinguish the prophecy from the play’s action: the oracle sets terms; Oedipus’s temper, courage, and curiosity enact them in daylight.

## Evidence

- [overview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/chapters/overview.md): Backstory of Laius, exposure of the infant, and the Delphic oracle.
- [oedipus-rex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/chapters/oedipus-rex.md): Messenger and herdsman confirm Oedipus’s true parentage.

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