Oedipus Rex

Oedipus Rex (or Oedipus the King) is Sophocles’ tragic masterpiece, first performed around 429 BCE. The play tells the story of Oedipus, King of Thebes, who seeks to rid his city of plague by uncovering the murderer of the former king—only to discover he himself is the culprit. The drama explores fate, free will, and the tragic consequences of knowledge. With its tight structure and psychological depth, Oedipus Rex is a foundational work of Western drama and tragic literature.