Many know Oedipus as a tragic hero: accidentally fulfilling a cursed prophecy, committing patricide, and marrying his mother consequently causing him to gouge his own eyes out. However few are aware of the whole story, let alone what secrets lie beyond the royal family of Thebes. Queen Jocasta bore a smile wider than the Mesopotamian Valley when she discovered she had been blessed with a child after bearing no fertility until this day. Juxtaposing her pure and utter delight, King Laius remained wary of this “blessing” with sorrow still fresh on his mind after far too many parentless years. Regretting his weariness yet not totally forgetting it, he visited the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi. The Oracle prophesied that any son born from him would …show more content…
In a twist of fate, the two storylines overlapped, whether it would end with utter travesty or false prophecy was to be determined at the end of the race.
All the competitors lined up, Oedipus, too distracted by all his birthday wishes, was unaware of his unknown father tampering with all the chariots. It wasn’t until he felt a jolt from his own chariot that he turned around and saw the undisclosed man. Chasing after him, Oedipus almost seized Laius, however the man ran into the marketplace and hid among the various shops and stands. Rather disappointed with himself, Oedipus returned to the race and alerted the other contestants. After all the chariots were fixed, the contestants lined up, for the race was about to begin.
Contrary to what the ordinary spectator might think, a wave of calm rushed through Oedipus’ veins, not a single ounce of anxiety could be found in his body, for it was just fate he thought. Whether he lost or won, he knew that the crown would go to whoever would lead the kingdom with the most animosity, the most courage, and the most sensible and pragmatic approaches. With the conclusion of that thought, the gun went off and the race begun. Immediately ten of the contestants fell off the course as King Laius cut them off. One by one, Laius cut off or ran into the contestants until it was merely father and son left to