Opening Oedipus at Colonus — Sophocles in Plato Scroll…
Continue → · About this text
Sophocles · F. Storr (Loeb Classical Library, 1912)
[Image: ]“Oedipus at Colonus” by Jean-Antoine-Théodore Giroust, 1788 OEDIPUS, THE BLIND and banished King of Thebes, has come in his wanderings to Colonus, a deme of Athens, led by his daughter Antigone. He sits to rest on a rock just within a sacred grove of the Furies and is bidden depart by a passing native. But Oedipus, instructed by an oracle that he had reached his final resting-place, refuses to stir, and the stranger consents to go and consult the Elders of Colonus (the Chorus of the Play). Conducted to the spot they pity at first the blind beggar and his daughter, but on learning his name they are horror-striken and order him to quit the land. He appeals to the world-famed hospitality of Athens and hints at the blessings that his coming will confer on the State. They agree to await the decision of King Theseus. From Theseus Oedipus craves protection in life and burial in Attic …
Editions (plain text / reader):