Oedipus at Colonus. 401 B.C. [posthumous] City Dionysia |
Prologue, 1-116. (Oedipus, Antigone, Stranger)
Oedipus and Antigone arrive at Colonus at the sanctuary of the Eumenides. They send a local to fetch the King.Parodos, 117-253. (Chorus, Oedipus, Antigone)
The Chorus of Elders enters, seeking the rumored violator of the sanctuary. They persuade Oedipus to leave the sanctuary, but then order him gone when they hear his infamous name.First episode, 254-667. (Oedipus, Antigone, Chorus; Ismene; Theseus)
Oedipus pleads his innocence: that Fate forced him unknowing into his transgressions. Ismene arrives with news that Eteocles has been banished and is leading an Argive army against Thebes; also that Delphi has declared that Thebes will be defeated by whoever holds the tomb of Oedipus. Purification of the suppliant Oedipus by Ismene.First stasimon, 668-719. (Chorus)Kommos, 510-548. The Chorus asks if the tales of Oedipus' sins be true. Oedipus trangressed, but unwittingly: he did not sin. Theseus arrives and promises his help and protection. Oedipus promises a future reward for Athens.
Ode to Athens.Second episode, 720-1043. (Oedipus, Antigone, Chorus, Creon; Theseus)
Creon appears, promising peace and offering a return home to Oedipus. Oedipus denounces Creon, at which Creon has Ismene (offstage) and Antigone (onstage) dragged away. Creon then attempts to drag Oedipus from the sanctuary.Second stasimon, 1044-1095. (Chorus)Theseus arrives and arrests Creon. He departs to rescue the girls.
Glorification of the warrior Theseus.Third episode, 1096-1210. (Oedipus, Theseus, Antigone, Chorus)
Theseus returns with Ismene (mute) and Antigone. Oedipus thanks Theseus, but avoids touching him with his polluted hands. Theseus announces that Polynices sits as a suppliant of Poseidon.Third stasimon, 1211-1248. (Chorus)At the entreaty of Antigone, Oedipus allows him to come.
He who craves life is a fool; only Death brings freedom to man.Fourth episode, 1249-1555. (Oedipus, Antigone, Polynices, Chorus; Theseus)
Polynices tries to persuade his father to join his side in the impending conflict. Oedipus heaps scorn and curses on his son, who had not opposed his exile: May the two sons die on each others' sword! Polynices retires after asking his sisters to ensure his due burial.Fourth stasimon, 1556-1578. (Chorus)Kommos, 1447-1499. The Chorus are alarmed as peals of thunder alert Oedipus of his imminent death; Oedipus sends for Theseus. Oedipus in inspiration leads Theseus to the fated death spot.
Prayer to infernal gods that Oedipus be blessed in death. Oedipus at Colonus, Page 2Exodos, 1579-1779. (Messenger, Chorus; Antigone, Ismene; Theseus)
A Messenger describes Oedipus' preparations for death and his sudden disappearance. Only Theseus knows the manner and exact spot of his death.Kommos, 1670-1750. Antigone and Ismene enter in lamentation. The Chorus try to give solace. Theseus arrives and announces that Oedipus died as was fated, and asked his tomb remain a secret known only to Athens' kings. Antigone and Ismene depart for Thebes to try to stay the feud between Polynices and Eteocles.
Sophocles was born at Colonus, a hamlet suburb of Athens. It is not known to what degree the details of the play might be based on local traditions. There was however a hero cult to Oedipus, which this play seems to reflect. The association of the King of Thebes with Colonus is probably based on the ancient cult of the Eumenides there. Cicero (de Sen . 7.22; cf. Plut. Mor . 785b) relates the tale that the sons of the aged Sophocles tried to take possession of his estate on a charge of senility; upon arriving in court, Sophocles recited the Ode to Athens (the first stasimon) from the Oedipus at Colonus , which he was then working on, and asked if this suggested imbecility: the court acquitted him.