Oedipus Trilogy Resources : Primarily Rex and Colonus

Furthermore, he asks to see their king, Theseus, saying, "I come as someone sacred,
someone filled with piety and power, bearing a great gift for all your people." [1] The
chorus is amazed, and decides to reserve their judgment of Oedipus until Theseus, king
of Athens, arrives.
Ismene arrives on horse, rejoicing to see her father and sister. She brings the news that
Eteocles has seized the throne of Thebes from his elder brother, Polyneices, while
Polyneices is gathering support from the Argives to attack the city. Both sons have
heard from an oracle that the outcome of the conflict will depend on where their father is
buried. Ismene tells her father that it is Creon's plan to come for him and bury him at the
border of Thebes, without proper burial rites, so that the power which the oracle says
his grave will have will not be granted to any other land. Hearing this, Oedipus curses
both of his sons for not treating him well, contrasting them with his devoted daughters.
He pledges allegiance with neither of his feuding sons, but with the people of Colonus,
who thus far have treated him well, and further asks them for protection from Creon.
Because Oedipus trespassed on the holy ground of the Euminides, the villagers tell him
that he must perform certain rites to appease them. Ismene volunteers to go perform
them for him and departs, while Antigone remains with Oedipus. Meanwhile, the chorus
questions Oedipus once more, desiring to know the details of his incest and patricide.
After he relates his sorrowful story to them, Theseus enters, and in contrast to the
prying chorus states, "I know all about you, son of Laius." [2] He sympathizes with
Oedipus, and offers him unconditional aid, causing Oedipus to praise Theseus and offer
him the gift of his burial site, which will ensure victory in a future conflict with Thebes.
Theseus protests, saying that the two cities are friendly, and Oedipus responds with
what is perhaps the most famous speech in the play. "Oh Theseus, dear friend, only the
gods can never age, the gods can never die. All else in the world almighty Time
obliterates, crushes all to nothing..." [3] Theseus makes Oedipus a citizen of Athens, and
leaves the chorus to guard him as he departs. The chorus sings about the glory and
beauty of Athens.
Creon, who is the representative of Thebes, comes to Oedipus and feigns pity for him
and his children, telling him that he should return to Thebes. Oedipus is horrified, and
recounts all of the harms Creon has inflicted on him. Creon becomes angry and reveals
that he has already captured Ismene; he then instructs his guards to forcibly seize
Antigone. His men begin to carry them off toward Thebes, perhaps planning to use