The Riddle of the Sphinx: Oedipus’ Triumph
Oedipus and the Sphinx is a timeless tale from Greek mythology that has captivated audiences for centuries. At the heart of this story lies a riddle posed by the enigmatic Sphinx to the young prince Oedipus. This article delves into the details of the riddle, Oedipus’ response, and the consequences that followed.
The Sphinx’s Riddle
The riddle asked by the Sphinx to Oedipus was as follows: “What walks on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three at night?” This perplexing question challenged Oedipus to unravel its hidden meaning and provide an accurate answer.
Oedipus’ Ingenious Answer
Oedipus, displaying his intelligence and quick thinking, correctly answered the Sphinx’s riddle. His response was as follows: “Man: as an infant, he crawls on all fours; as an adult, he walks on two legs, and in old age, he uses a walking stick.” This insightful answer demonstrated Oedipus’ understanding of the stages of human life and the transformations that occur.
The Sphinx’s Demise
Oedipus’ correct answer had a profound impact on the Sphinx. Unable to bear the weight of Oedipus’ wisdom, the Sphinx self-destructed, possibly by throwing herself from a cliff. This dramatic turn of events marked the end of the Sphinx’s reign of terror and solidified Oedipus’ victory.
The Setting: Oedipus’ Journey to Thebes
The encounter between Oedipus and the Sphinx took place during Oedipus’ fateful journey to the city of Thebes. Along his path, he encountered the Sphinx, who guarded the entrance to the city and posed her riddle as a test of worthiness. Oedipus, with his wit and intellect, emerged triumphant from this encounter.
Oedipus’ Triumph and Tragic Fate
Oedipus’ victory over the Sphinx proved pivotal in his life’s trajectory. His successful answer to the riddle not only spared his own life but also brought him great acclaim. The people of Thebes hailed him as a hero, and he was welcomed into the city with open arms. Oedipus went on to marry the queen, Jocasta, who was later revealed to be his mother. This revelation, along with other tragic events, would ultimately lead to Oedipus’ downfall.
This article has explored the riddle posed by the Sphinx to Oedipus, his astute response, and the consequences that followed. The tale of Oedipus and the Sphinx continues to resonate as a testament to the power of intellect and the complexities of human fate.
Sources:
- “Oedipus and the Sphinx” – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oedipus_and_the_Sphinx
- “The Psychology of the Riddle: Oedipus and the Sphinx” – The Eclectic Light Company. Retrieved from https://eclecticlight.co/2017/05/28/the-psychology-of-the-riddle-oedipus-and-the-sphinx/
- “Gustave Moreau | Oedipus and the Sphinx” – The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/437153
FAQs
What was the riddle asked by the Sphinx to Oedipus?
The riddle asked by the Sphinx was: “What walks on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three at night?”
How did Oedipus respond to the Sphinx’s riddle?
Oedipus correctly answered the riddle by saying, “Man: as an infant, he crawls on all fours; as an adult, he walks on two legs, and in old age, he uses a walking stick.”
What happened to the Sphinx after Oedipus answered the riddle correctly?
Oedipus’ correct answer caused the Sphinx to self-destruct, possibly by throwing herself from a cliff.
Where did the encounter between Oedipus and the Sphinx take place?
The encounter between Oedipus and the Sphinx took place on Oedipus’ journey to the city of Thebes.
What were the consequences of Oedipus’ victory over the Sphinx?
Oedipus’ victory over the Sphinx led to him being welcomed as a hero in Thebes, marrying the queen Jocasta, who was later revealed to be his mother, and becoming king.