Oedipus, the tragic hero of Sophocles' play Oedipus Rex, ends his life in exile, blind and heartbroken. He is banished from Thebes after discovering the horrifying truth about his birth and his crimes.
Oedipus's Fate: A Breakdown
- Blindness: Oedipus blinds himself as a form of self-punishment for his actions. He realizes that he has been living in ignorance, both literally and figuratively.
- Exile: Oedipus is exiled from Thebes, the city he once ruled. He leaves his daughters, Antigone and Ismene, behind, never to see them again.
- Death: The exact details of Oedipus's death are not explicitly stated in Sophocles' plays. However, later Greek writers, such as Euripides, depict Oedipus dying in exile, either peacefully or by suicide.
The Significance of Oedipus's Ending
Oedipus's tragic fate serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of hubris, or excessive pride. His story also explores themes of fate, free will, and the limits of human knowledge. The play suggests that even the most powerful and intelligent individuals can be brought low by fate and the consequences of their own actions.
