#4085

Mentioned in 12 episodes

Oedipus Rex

Book • 429

Written by Sophocles and performed between 430 and 426 BCE, *Oedipus Rex* is a classic Greek tragedy that revolves around King Oedipus's quest to save Thebes from a plague.

The play unfolds as Oedipus searches for the murderer of his predecessor, King Laius, only to discover that he himself is the culprit.

This revelation leads to the tragic downfall of Oedipus, who blinds himself after learning of his patricide and incest.

The play explores themes of fate, free will, and the tragic flaw of hubris, and it remains a foundational work in Greek drama, influencing countless subsequent playwrights and storytellers.

Mentioned by

Alain de Botton

Victor Davis Hanson

Martha Barnette

Mentioned in 12 episodes

Referenced by

Alain de Botton

by its famous last line - 'call no man happy till he dies' - as a reflection of tragic Greek wisdom.

How to Feel More Understood, Valued and Secure in Your Relationships with Alain de Botton #574

Mentioned by

Stephen West

as an example of a deeply flawed character in Greek tragedy.

Episode #212 ... Nietzsche and Critchley on the tragic perspective. (Amor Fati pt. 2)

Mentioned when discussing the Oedipus complex in Freudian psychoanalysis.

Class 9: Freudian Psychoanalysis

Mentioned by

Natalie Haynes

as one of the celebrated Greek tragedians whose texts were sought after by the Library of Alexandria.

Alexandria: The Library

Mentioned as a famous example of Greek tragedy that continues to have an enormous impact today.

A Lasting Legacy: Greek Poetry and Drama

Mentioned by

Victor Davis Hanson

as one of the readings he used to assign to his students.

Victor Davis Hanson: The Decline of Religiosity is More Worrisome Than the Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Mentioned by

KC Shornima

to highlight the comedic structure inherent in even tragic stories.

184. KC Shornima: Get Comfortable With This Darkness

Mentioned by

Michael Meade

as a famous play by Sophocles about the fate of Oedipus.

Episode 460 - From Blindness to Renewed Vision

Mentioned by Barry Strauss as a tragedy that refers obliquely to the war.

Combat Story (Ep 42): Barry Strauss on Brasidas | Spartan Legend | Commander | Special Ops Pioneer

Mentioned by

Martha Barnette

when recalling how she started learning Greek with her tutor.

An inspiring tutor, 'New York System' hot dogs, and 'queen spotting.'

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