Oedipus' Riddle of The Sphinx: a Metaphor of Life

Life: A Puzzle Full of Mysteries

Life is often like a big, complex puzzle. It's full of challenges and mysteries that we all try to figure out. Remember the famous riddle of the Sphinx that Oedipus had to solve? That moment in his story can be seen as a symbol for our own journey through life. We all face tough questions and challenges that make us stop and think deeply about ourselves.

Oedipus' Riddle: A Life Metaphor

Oedipus meeting the Sphinx is like a symbol for life's mysteries. The Sphinx, with its human head and lion's body, represents all those tricky questions life throws at us. The riddle it asks—"What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?"—is like the different stages we go through in life. Just like Oedipus had to solve this puzzle to keep moving forward, we have to tackle life's challenges head-on.

If you think about it, the riddle shows how life changes as we grow. As babies, we crawl on four legs; when we're adults, we walk on two; and in old age, a cane becomes our third leg for support. This mirrors how we move from being kids to grown-ups and eventually to seniors, each stage having its own set of questions and hurdles.

The Power of Self-Reflection

The riddle also tells us something important about looking inside ourselves to grow. Oedipus didn't just solve the riddle because he was smart; he understood himself better by thinking deeply about who he was. That's key for us too—introspection helps us find answers to life's puzzles.

Another thing this teaches us is about change. When Oedipus figured out the answer—"Man, who crawls on all fours as a baby, walks on two legs as an adult, and uses a cane in old age"—it reminded him (and us) that life never stays the same. It keeps changing, and so do we.

Conclusion: Embracing Life's Changes

To wrap it up, Oedipus facing the Sphinx is like any one of us facing life's uncertainties. The mystery of the riddle highlights how complicated life can be. But Oedipus winning over it shows why it's crucial to reflect on ourselves and adapt as things change around us. Just like him, we've got to deal with life's enigmas if we want to grow and embrace whatever comes next.

References:

1. Sophocles (2000). "Oedipus Rex." Translated by F. Storr.
2. Knox, B.M.W., & Segal, C.P. (1998). "Sophocles' Tragic World: Divinity, Nature, Society."
3. Woodruff, P., & Grene, D.S., eds., (2013). "Sophocles I: Antigone, Oedipus the King."