9/1 Oedipus (#1a)

Sophocles’ reveal much about Greek beliefs, role gods the gods and the hero through Oedipus.

Among Greek's beliefs is that of polytheism. It is easy of observe the belieg in a maltitude of gods in Oedipus' tale. A second belief shown through Oedipus was that of destiny. No matter what Oedipus did the gods knew he would fulfill this fate.

Roles of the gods were well described through Oedipus’ stores as well. One role is the role of adviser. When Oedipus needs advice he asks Apollo. Another role gods play is givers of good fortune or comfort. At one point a chorus pleads to Zeus, Apollo and Artemis asking for relief from the death and misery, saying, “I beg you… I cry to you”(line 231, 236). A third role is that of prophet. Oedipus is haunted by a prophecy that he would kill his father.

Oedipus is a great example of a Greek hero. Starting from a mysterious beginning, he is not sure who his true biological parents are. Such a beginning is common and consistent with that of a hero. A priest explains, “A god was with you” when praising Oedipus for his great deeds (line 47). It was common for gods to help heroes through their quest. Oedipus at one time proclaims, “I fight for the god” when making a speech (line 279). Oedipus claim emphasizes his relationship with different gods, which is also a common quality of a hero. All of these characteristics describe the Greek Hero that Oedipus surely was.