power of the gods

The Power of the Gods In the play, Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, Oedipus is rewarded king of Thebes when he frees the city from death by correctly answering a riddle by the deadly Sphinx. You came to Cadmus’ city and unbound the tax we had to pay to the harsh singer, did it without a helpful word from us, with no instruction; with a god’s assistance you raised up our life, so …

…him in overcoming the sphinx. Both Laius and Oedipus tried to prevent the oracles from occurring. In doing this act, Oedipus learns that the gods are laughing at him. He or no man can fool the gods, for the gods are the most powerful beings. In conclusion, the gods that Oedipus may have thought helped him free a city from the sphinx was now his enemy. "But I am the gods’ most hated man!" (1527, pp. 1293)