Zeus is not a character in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. The play focuses on the story of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, who unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. The play explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of human actions.
Oedipus Rex primarily deals with the Greek gods Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi, through whom the prophecy about Oedipus's fate is revealed.
- Apollo: Apollo is the god of light, music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and plague. He sends a plague upon Thebes, prompting Oedipus to seek the Oracle's guidance.
- Oracle of Delphi: The Oracle of Delphi is a priestess who speaks on behalf of Apollo. She delivers the prophecy that Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother.
While Zeus, the king of the gods, is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, he does not have a direct role in Oedipus Rex.
