Oedipus and the... Show moreOedipus and the sphinx
In those days, Thebes is plagued by a winged sphinx, the daughter of the hellhound. The sphinx has positioned itself at the city gate of Thebes and harasses people passing by. It poses all kinds of difficult riddles and anyone who does not know the answer is immediately killed by the sphinx.
After the death of King Laios, Queen Iokaste sits with her brother Crete on the king's throne of Thebes. In the hope of finally getting rid of the terror of the sphinx, they determine that the one who defeats the creature may marry the royal widow. It is at this time that Oedipus enters the city. In view of the alarming prediction he has received from the oracle, he puts little value on his life and decides to accept the royal offer. Without fear, he visits the sphinx who gives him the following riddle:
"Which creature walks on four legs in the morning, on two legs in the afternoon and on three in the evening?"
Oedipus does not have to think long about the solution and replies.
"The riddle is about man. In the morning of his life, as a baby, he walks on all fours. As he grows stronger, man walks upright and in old age he needs a third foot, a walking stick, to stay upright."
The sphinx acknowledges defeat and plunges into an abyss. Thebes is freed from the terror of the creature and Oedipus marries his mother, Queen Iokaste. Several children are born of the marriage, although Oedipus has no idea that he fathered these children with his own mother.
In those days, Thebes is plagued by a winged sphinx, the daughter of the hellhound. The sphinx has positioned itself at the city gate of Thebes and harasses people passing by. It poses all kinds of difficult riddles and anyone who does not know the answer is immediately killed by the sphinx.
After the death of King Laios, Queen Iokaste sits with her brother Crete on the king's throne of Thebes. In the hope of finally getting rid of the terror of the sphinx, they determine that the one who defeats the creature may marry the royal widow. It is at this time that Oedipus enters the city. In view of the alarming prediction he has received from the oracle, he puts little value on his life and decides to accept the royal offer. Without fear, he visits the sphinx who gives him the following riddle:
"Which creature walks on four legs in the morning, on two legs in the afternoon and on three in the evening?"
Oedipus does not have to think long about the solution and replies.
"The riddle is about man. In the morning of his life, as a baby, he walks on all fours. As he grows stronger, man walks upright and in old age he needs a third foot, a walking stick, to stay upright."
The sphinx acknowledges defeat and plunges into an abyss. Thebes is freed from the terror of the creature and Oedipus marries his mother, Queen Iokaste. Several children are born of the marriage, although Oedipus has no idea that he fathered these children with his own mother.
From Greek mythology