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The Riddle of the Sphinx

The Riddle of the Sphinx. Background information for Oedipus Rex. The Sphinx had been terrorizing Thebes for many days. Sphinx – half woman and half lion She crouched by a precipice (cliff) near the highway and posed the same mysterious question to every passer-by.

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The Riddle of the Sphinx

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  1. The Riddle of the Sphinx Background information for Oedipus Rex

  2. The Sphinx had been terrorizing Thebes for many days. • Sphinx – half woman and half lion • She crouched by a precipice (cliff) near the highway and posed the same mysterious question to every passer-by. • No one had ever been able to answer and no one lived to warn other men of the riddle. • The Sphinx fell upon every one as he failed and hurled him down the abyss to be dashed to pieces. • One day a man is traveling toward Thebes named Oedipus. • He comes face to face with the Sphinx who speaks the riddle that none had been able to guess.

  3. Riddle: “What animal is that which in morning goes on four feet, at noon on two, and in evening upon three?”

  4. Answer: MAN • …in childhood creeps on hands & feet • …in manhood he walk erect • …in old age he needs a staff Explanation: • …morning goes on four feet • …at noon on two feet • …in the evening upon three

  5. Result: • The Sphinx uttered a cry and sprang from the rock into the abyss and perished. • Oedipus told the Thebans their torment was gone. • The people hailed him as a deliverer. • Oedipus became King of Thebes and was married to the widowed queen, Jocasta.

  6. The plague: • Oedipus lived in peace for years as king. • He is a good and caring king to his people. • A great pestilence and famine falls over the city of Thebes. • In distress the people turn to their king for answers. • Oedipus informs them he has already sent his brother-in-law, Creon, to speak to the Oracle at Delphi. • Creon returns with an important message from the oracle. Homework: Read & take notes on Oedipus Rexpp.1-6.

  7. Homework Questions: • Why are the people of Thebes suffering? • What does their king do in hopes to find answers? • Who is sent to find these answers? Relation to Oedipus? • What is the purpose of visiting the Oracle? • Whose oracle is it? • What must be done for the plague to leave Thebes? • Were there any survivors during the murder? • What does Oedipus promise to do?

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