Oedipus King of Thebes Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes

When a deadly plague grips Thebes, its ruler is forced to confront a chilling oracle that blames a hidden crime for the city's suffering. Determined to protect his people, he launches a desperate investigation, questioning witnesses and digging into his own past. Each revelation pulls him deeper into a web of prophecy and unwelcome truth, while the chorus voices the collective dread of the citizens. The play unfolds as a tense race against fate, where every answer seems to tighten the knot of destiny.

This edition renders the ancient playwright’s text in lively rhyming verse, accompanied by clear notes that illuminate the mythic background and dramatic technique. Listeners will hear the powerful language of a king confronting the gods, the haunting chorus, and the stark moral questions that still resonate today. The translation captures both the raw intensity of the original tragedy and the timeless human drama at its core, making the story accessible and gripping for modern ears.