About this Video

• Video Title: Oedipus Rex Summary (Oedipus the King Story) - Animated
• Channel: Life Outward
• Speakers: Narrator
• Duration: 10:56

Introduction

This animated video summarizes the Greek tragedy of Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King). It recounts Oedipus's life, from his abandoned infancy and adoption to his unwitting fulfillment of a prophecy, his tragic discoveries, and his ultimate self-blinding and exile.

Key Takeaways

• A Prophecy of Murder: Oedipus's parents, the King and Queen of Thebes, abandoned him as a baby due to a prophecy foretelling that he would kill his father and marry his mother.
• Adoption and a New Prophecy: Oedipus was raised in Corinth and later learned he was adopted. He sought out the Oracle at Delphi, who prophesied that he would kill his father and marry his mother.
• Unintentional Patricide and Incest: Fleeing Corinth to avoid the prophecy, Oedipus unknowingly killed his biological father and married his mother, the Queen of Thebes.
• The Sphinx's Riddle and Kingship: Oedipus solved the Sphinx's riddle, saving Thebes and becoming its king, marrying the Queen (his mother).
• Discovery and Self-Punishment: Through a series of revelations, Oedipus discovered the truth about his parentage and actions, ultimately blinding himself and exiling himself from Thebes.