Sophocles' Antigone and the Legacy of Oedipus

A set of vocabulary flashcards to help review key concepts and characters from Sophocles' 'Antigone' and the background story of Oedipus.

Oedipus

A legendary character in Greek mythology who inadvertently killed his father and married his mother, leading to tragic consequences.

Antigone

Daughter of Oedipus, she is central to Sophocles' play, which explores themes of duty and familial loyalty.

Thebes

The city-state where Oedipus was born and which becomes pivotal in the tragedies of his family.

Sophocles

A renowned playwright of ancient Greece, known for his contributions to tragedy, particularly the plays 'Oedipus the King' and 'Antigone'.

Oracle of Delphi

A priestess who served as a medium through whom the god Apollo spoke, delivering prophecies and guidance.

Oedipus Rex

Also known as 'Oedipus the King,' it is a tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of Oedipus's quest for truth and its devastating consequences.

Sphinx

A mythical creature that posed riddles to travelers and killed those who could not answer; Oedipus defeated the Sphinx, saving Thebes.

Incest

A taboo relationship occurring between closely related individuals; Oedipus's marriage to his mother Iocasta produced four children.

Creon

The uncle of Antigone and Oedipus’s brother-in-law, he becomes king of Thebes after the death of Oedipus’s sons.

Plague of Thebes

A curse sent by the gods due to the unresolved murder of King Laius, which Oedipus seeks to uncover in hopes of saving the city.