Curriculum/The Story of the Greeks/The Terrible Prophecy
The Story of the Greeks•Grade 4•grammar Stage

The Terrible Prophecy

King Laius of Thebes consulted the oracle at Delphi and received a terrible prophecy: his son would kill his father, marry his mother, and destroy Thebes. When the baby was born, Laius ordered a servant to kill him, but the servant tied the child to a tree instead. A shepherd found the baby and brought him to the King of Corinth, who adopted him. The queen named him Oedipus ("swollen-footed") because his ankles were swollen from the cord. Oedipus grew up thinking he was the Corinthian prince.

The Text

What You'll Learn

1

Comprehension

Explains that King Laius consulted the oracle at Delphi

2

Cause & Consequence

Explains why Laius consulted the oracle: to learn about his future

3

Significance

Explains what oracles were and why Greeks believed in them

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