Oedipus at the Crossroads
Oedipus meets an unknown older traveller at a crossroads and kills him, without realising that the man is his father Laius.
The Story
Oedipus grew up in Corinth believing that Polybus and Merope were his parents.
A prophecy told him that he was destined to kill his father and marry his mother.
Horrified, Oedipus left Corinth.
His intention was to protect the people he believed were his parents.
On the road he reached a place where routes met.
There Oedipus encountered an older traveller accompanied by attendants.
A dispute arose over who had the right to pass.
The confrontation became violent.
Oedipus killed the traveller and members of his party.
He continued on his journey.
The dead man was Laius, king of Thebes.
Neither father nor son had recognised the other.
The first half of the prophecy had now been fulfilled.
Oedipus believed that by leaving Corinth he had escaped the danger.
Instead, his journey had brought him into direct contact with his biological father.
From the crossroads he continued toward Thebes.
There another crisis awaited him: the Sphinx.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
The crossroads killing is the decisive moment in which Oedipus unknowingly fulfils the first part of the prophecy and moves directly toward Thebes.
Traditions & Variations
Ancient accounts differ over the exact location of the encounter, the number of attendants, the cause of the quarrel and who strikes first.