Oedipus at Colonus
Also known as: Oedipus Coloneus, Oidipous at Colonus, Oedipus at Kolonos, Oidipous epi Kolono, Oidipous en Kolono, Οἰδίπους ἐπὶ Κολωνῷ
In his final wanderings, the blind Oedipus reaches the sacred grove at Colonus near Athens. As suppliant to the Eumenides, he gains protection from Theseus, confronts Creon and Polynices, and disappears in a mysterious, divinely sanctioned death, becoming a protective power for Athens.
Description
Set in the deme of Colonus outside Athens, the play follows the exiled Oedipus, guided by Antigone and later joined by Ismene, as he seeks a destined resting place revealed by oracles. The sacred grove of the Eumenides marks a threshold between mortal and chthonic realms. Theseus, embodying just kingship and Athenian civic virtue, grants him asylum against Theban pressure. Confrontations with Creon and Polynices crystallize questions of guilt, responsibility, and the legitimacy of power. Amid thunderous omens, Oedipus undergoes a secret, unmarked passing that transforms him into a heroized guardian of the land. The drama integrates hymnic praise of Colonus and Athens with late Sophoclean lyricism, closing the Theban saga by recasting the polluted king as a source of sacred protection.
Historiography
Composed at the end of Sophocles’ life, the play was produced in 401 BCE after the poet’s death, reportedly by his grandson. The medieval manuscript tradition preserves the text within the Sophoclean corpus, with important scholia derived from Alexandrian scholarship. Jebb’s commentary and subsequent critical editions have shaped modern readings. The work’s portrayal of heroization and Athenian identity influenced later receptions of Oedipus beyond mere tragic downfall.
Date Notes
Produced posthumously at the City Dionysia in 401 BCE by Sophocles’ grandson (also named Sophocles).
Major Characters
- Oedipus
- Antigone
- Ismene
- Theseus
- Creon
- Polynices
Myths
- Sanctuary at Colonus
- The Curses upon Eteocles and Polynices
- The Hidden Death and Heroization of Oedipus
Facts
- Set at Colonus, a deme northwest of Athens and Sophocles’ birthplace.
- Oedipus becomes a heroized, chthonic protector whose burial place must remain hidden.
- Theseus is portrayed as the paradigm of Athenian justice and hospitality.
- First produced in 401 BCE, after Sophocles’ death, by his grandson.
- The chorus are elderly citizens of Colonus who initially fear miasma but accept Oedipus.
- Creon’s attempt to abduct Antigone and Ismene violates sacred asylum.
- Polynices seeks support for his campaign against Thebes and is cursed by Oedipus.
- The play completes the Theban story arc begun in Oedipus the King and continued in Antigone.
- The sacred grove belongs to the Eumenides (Semnai Theai), linking the drama to Athenian cult.
- Late Sophoclean style features expansive lyricism and hymnic praise of place.