Who Defeated The Sphinx According To Greek Legend

Jane Haynes

less than a minute read

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08-12-2024

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The Sphinx, a monstrous creature of Greek mythology, terrorized Thebes until its riddle was solved. But who exactly triumphed over this fearsome beast? The answer, according to legend, is Oedipus.

The Riddle of the Sphinx

The Sphinx, typically depicted as having a lion's body and a woman's head, posed a deadly riddle to anyone who dared to pass. Those who failed to answer correctly met a gruesome end, becoming the Sphinx's next victim. The riddle, variations of which exist, typically centered around the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening.

Oedipus's Triumph

Oedipus, a prince fated by prophecy to kill his father and marry his mother, arrived at Thebes and bravely faced the Sphinx. Instead of being intimidated, he engaged with the creature and answered its riddle correctly. The answer, of course, is man. A human crawls on all fours as a baby (morning), walks upright as an adult (afternoon), and uses a cane in old age (evening).

This clever response shattered the Sphinx's power. Unable to accept defeat, the creature flung itself from a cliff, ending its reign of terror over Thebes and paving the way for Oedipus to become king.

The Significance of Oedipus's Victory

Oedipus's victory over the Sphinx is significant for several reasons. It represents:

• The triumph of intellect over brute force: Oedipus didn't defeat the Sphinx through physical strength, but through his sharp mind and problem-solving abilities.
• The breaking of a curse: The Sphinx's riddle was a curse on Thebes. Oedipus's success lifted that curse and allowed the city to flourish.
• A pivotal point in Oedipus's tragic destiny: While his victory brought him to power, it's also viewed as a critical juncture leading to the tragic events that would unfold in his life, as foretold by prophecy.

The legend of Oedipus and the Sphinx remains a powerful and enduring story, illustrating the timeless conflict between intellect, fate, and the monstrous forces that can threaten human society. The story continues to resonate with audiences today, prompting reflections on human ingenuity, the nature of fate, and the consequences of both triumph and tragedy.