The Death of Oedipus in the Epic Tradition

NOTWITHSTANDING THE DISCOVERY, fifteen years ago, of a substantial papyrus fragment of Stesichorus describing the division of the estate of Oedipus (PLille 76 + 73 + 111), the material evidence for reconstructing the early versions of the myth of Oedipus remains scanty. Only a few epic fragments have survived, together with brief references in Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, and other lyric poets, and in the mythographers who in some cases were themselves reporting earlier traditions. A remarkable parade of conjectures and suggestions has therefore attempted to reconcile the very many discrepancies amongst the various versions, in order to provide an outline establishing a plausible and continuous narrative sequence for the myth. My analysis will deal with the death of Oedipus, a theme of considerable importance also for reconstructing the historical and mythological background of the wars between Thebes and Orchomenus. I will attempt to demonstrate that the account of the most ancient sources has often been misinterpreted in recent times

Art · EPIC · Literature · Ancient Egypt and Archaeology · Classical Antiquity Studies · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies · History

• Sophocles

  Open Access•Sophocles ca v Chr v Chr, Patrick Finglass et al.•Sophocles•2018

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• The Teiresias Scene in Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus

  Lowell Edmunds•Syllecta classica•2000

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