Source edition
Sophocles, Volume 1. Storr, Francis, editor. London; New York: William Heinemann Ltd.; The Macmillan Company, 1912.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This Greek tragedy depicts the final days of the blind Oedipus, the former King of Thebes, who has been ravaged by a tragic fate. Guided by his daughter Antigone, the wandering Oedipus arrives at the sacred grove of the Eumenides (Furies) in Colonus, near Athens. There, he seeks refuge from Theseus, the noble King of Athens, promising that his eventual burial place will afford the city eternal protection. However, conflict arises as Creon of Thebes attempts to forcefully take him back to serve Theban interests, and his estranged son Polynices arrives to beg for his blessing in the upcoming civil war. Oedipus fiercely rejects them both, placing a devastating curse upon his sons. Under Theseus's steadfast protection, Oedipus hears the divine thunder signaling his end and is led to a secret, mystical passing. The play concludes with his daughters mourning his departure and being sent back to Thebes with Theseus's aid.