Skip to content
PodcastMentions
Back to search
The Rest Is History artwork
The Rest Is HistorySeptember 24, 2025

603. Greek Myths: The Riddle of the Sphinx (Part 2)

About This Episode
What is the story behind the writing of Oedipus, the notorious king of Thebes who murdered his father and unwittingly married his mother? Was it based on a real historical event? What are Oedipus’ cursed mythic origins in Thebes? Who was Sophocles, the legendary Greek playwright? Why was the play a product of 5th century Athens; its rivalries with other greek city states such as Thebes, a raging plague, and the tyrant Pericles? What horrifying events unfold in Oedipus? It is the greatest tragedy of all time? And, how did it later come to influence Sigmund Freud’s unnerving interpretation of the deepest desires of the subconscious….? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss one of the most famous Greek myths of all time: Oedipus; unravelling this disturbing tragedy, delving into its meaning today, and exploring the historical context behind it all. ______ Try Adobe Express for free now at https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/spotlight/designwithexpress?sdid=HM85WZZV&mv=display&mv2=ctv or by searching in the app store. Learn more at https://www.uber.com/onourway ______ Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Video Producer: Jack Meek
Book Mentions
7 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to books
Tip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.

Books Mentioned

The Odyssey cover

The excerpt discusses the tragic story of Oedipus, referencing Homer's account in The Odyssey, highlighting the themes of fate and tragedy.

Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Oedipus Rex cover
Oedipus Rex
Sophocles

The discussion includes Sophocles' version of the Oedipus story, which is considered one of the most famous Greek tragedies, elaborating on Homer's account.

Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Oedipus cover
Oedipus
Sophocles

Aristotle praised Oedipus as being the greatest of all tragedies and providing the model of what a tragedy should be.

Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
The Interpretation of Dreams cover

Freud was pondering the mysteries of the subconscious. He believed that people had in the attic, in the cupboard, all kinds of unacknowledged fears and anxieties and desires, including sexual desires.

Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Iliad cover

Diomedes, one of the most famous Greek warriors, appears in the Iliad and is the great friend of Odysseus. The stories from Homer are part of the common stock of literary material that people are familiar with.

Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Oedipus at Kolonos cover

Sophocles shows the very aged Oedipus, still in exile from Thebes, being given sanctuary by the Athenians. This play was produced posthumously in 401 BC and offers a message of hope and reassurance.

Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Antigone cover
Antigone
Sophocles

Antigone openly defies him. I do not believe your laws, you being only a man, sufficient to overrule divine ordinances, unwritten and unfailing as they are.

ASIN: 1580493882
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.