Predestination in “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles

Greek myths have influenced many civilizations in the areas of literature and art. Greek mythology does not contain just the stories of Gods. They also convey the stories of Human heroes such as Heracles, Pygmalion etc. Many of these legendry figures are on par with Gods in popularity. One such legendry hero was Oedipus whose rise and fall was predestined. In Greek’s mythology, God’s often interfere in human life. This is evident in the great epics of Homer and Virgil. Gods even took sides, when kings were fighting wars against each other. They even had grudges against kings who didn’t honour them with ceremonial prayers. Likewise Apollo curses King Laius that Laius’s son would kill him and marry Laius wife. Keeping this curse in mind King Laius sends away his child to be left in the wilderness to die. But Gods always have their way in fulfilling what they have cursed. Oedipus, the son of King Laius fights with all human strength and will power against the destiny set by God. Oedipus, after knowing the curse unwittingly escapes from his adopted parents and falls into the traps set by Gods. If gods have designed the events of our lives and left little choice for us to live, why then he created hell? In this case, we are not responsible for our acts because we have been predestined to do them, by Gods. Oedipus’ final defeat as a predestined child gives rise to pity and fear.