Also known as the The Oedipus Coloneus (Οἰδίπους ἐπὶ Κολωνῷ, Oidipous epi Kolōnōi)
After the events in the play Oedipus Rex in which Oedipus has blinded himself, he is led by his daughter, Antigone, to Colonus, a deme of Athens at the time ruled by King Theseus, The play is about his transformation from a helpless and blind beggar into a hero, with a shrine for him at the cult centre of Colonus. At climactic moments in the veneration of cult heroes, they can be called theoi or ‘gods’. Sophocles, himself, was from Colonus.
ARGUMENT (Hypothesis)
When Œdipus was no longer king, and would fain have left Thebes for ever, the people suffered him not, for so the Oracle bade them. And his children grew up—two sons, Polyneikes and Eteocles, and two daughters, Ismene and Antigone, under Creon's care, and when his sons came to man's estate, and Œdipus had grown calmer, and content to abide in Thebes, they and Creon thrust him forth, a wanderer on the earth, lest he should bring trouble to the city. And many months he journeyed with Antigone over Hellas, begging their bread; but Ismene, though she loved him, stayed at home. And the two brothers quarrelled, and Eteocles, the younger, drove forth Polyneikes, and made himself king. And Polyneikes betook himself to Argos, and took the king's daughter there in marriage, and gathered a great army wherewith to restore himself to the kingdom. And it chanced that Antigone and Œdipus came to Athens, where Theseus was then king, than whom no man in Hellas was braver or more just.
Dramatis Personae
Setting: The skene is a sacred grove dedicated to the Eumenides [reformed, they were formerly known as the Erinyes (The Furies)] at Colonus: olives, laurels and vines grow wild here. Nightingales also sing in the grove. Athens can be seen far in the distance. There is a seat, a ledge on a rock. And there is another near a statue of Hippeios Colonus on horseback, legendary founder of Colonus, and after whom the place was named.
Prologue [Lines 1-116]
Enter Oedipus blind and in rags, led by Antigone, his daughter. Oedipus is weary of life, but still has a noble bearing.
Oedipus asks Antigone where have they come to and who will give alms to the wanderer. And is there a seat on which he can rest himself.
Antigone tells him that they are near a city which is still far off, but which she can see. She tells him that they are in a grove, a holy one, with vines, olives and laurel bushes. Nightingales perch here.
She helps Oedipus to sit on the ledge of a rock.
Antigone tells Oedipus she thinks they are near Athens, but knows not the grove. She will go out and ask someone where they are. Someone is coming.
Enter a Stranger
Oedipus informs the stranger he is blind and his daughter sees for him.
Stranger: "Move away from where you sit. This place is holy. You must not trespass on that ground."
Oedipus: "What god is honoured here?"
Stranger: "The ground is not to be touched. Most feared are its divinities, the Daughters of Darkness [The Furies]."
Oedipus: "How should I address them?"
Stranger: "The people here call them the Gentle All-Seeing Ones [Eumenides]."
Oedipus: "I will not leave this place. It was ordained I should be here."
Stranger: "Without the consent of the city I cannot move you. I must show them what you are doing."
Oedipus: "First tell me where we are."
The Stranger tells him that the area is blessed by Poseidon and Prometheus, the Bringer of Fire, has his influence here, He says that Oedipus is sitting on the Bronze Yhreshold of this land [the top of a flight of brazen steps connecting the upper world with the Underworld: this is called the "Brazen Threshold" of Hades]; it is the mainstay of Athens. Yon is the statue of the master horseman, Colonus. All here descend from him. This place is honoured in their hearts.
Oedipus asks him "Who rules here?". He is told Theseus. "Would someone please fetch him?" Oedipus is told that he must first wait for the elders of the district who will decide whether he must move on or not.
Oedipus prays to the Eumenides. He tells them that Apollo prophesied that this place would be his final resting-place, that he would find his home amongst the Furies at the end of his life; he promised blessing on those who helped him, cursing those who drove him away. How was it that he found himself there? Hear his prayer. Pity a poor man's carcass, and accept him here.
Antigone warns Oedipus some old men are on their way.
Exit Oedipus led by Antigone. They hide in a thicket by the side of the road.
Parodos [Lines 117-253]
The Chorus of the Elders of Colonus enter
They search for the strangers [Oedipus and Antigone] who have arrived. They can't find them.
Enter Oedipus led by Antigone
Oedipus and Antigone reveal themselves. The Chorus promise them a safe home in Attica. The Chorus then ask who they are and where are they from. Oedipus after some hesitation reveals that he is from Thebes, that he is Oedipus its former king, who has been forced into exile. The Chorus are horrified on learning this. They order Oedipus to be gone from the land immediately. Oedipus begs them to allow him to stay as a suppliant, as they had already promised to grant them asylum. Antigone also makes a plea od supplication: "I implore you by everything that you hold dear at home: by child, by wife, or treasure, or god! to look well upon him."
1st Episode [Lines 254-667]
Episode 1 Part A
The Chorus feels for Oedipus. Oedipus defends himself. He begs to know why he is considered innately evil when he knew nothing of guilt of his deeds. He begs the Chorus that he is heard by the king of Athens, that he has something to tell him of benefit to his kingdom. The Chorus agrees to defer judgment to Theseus. Antigone exclaims that she has seen Ismene, her sister, approaching.
Enter Ismene
There is a joyfule reunion of the siter and their father Oedipus. Ismene brings the news of strife between the brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles. Polyneices, the elder, has been thrown out of the city. He has gone to Argos and is proposing organise an army led by seven generals, each one to attck one of the seven gates of the city of Thebes. Eteocles, the younger, has completely usurped the throne, to assume the power of being sole tyrant; that an oracle has predicted that Oedipus's presence is required back at Thebes to ensure success against this attack. She warns Oedipus that Creon is coming to bring him back to the land of Cadmus, to bury him near Thebes.
Oedipus curses his sons for their refusal previously to help him. He compares them as being like Egyptians whose menfolk stay at home weaving at the loom when the women go out to do the hard work in the fields, like the sisters Antigone and Ismene are doing with their father. He begs the Chorus and the Eumenides to defend him from this abduction.
The Chorus now take Oedipus' side. The Chorus now invite Oedipus to perform a ritual to expiate his sin of having trespassed upon the Eumenides' holy ground of their sacred grove, to propitiate them. [See Lines 461- 509 below]
Exit Ismene to perform the ritual.
(Kommos 510-548 - Amoibaion)
The Chorus ask for more details on Oedipus' past. He gives it to them, denying his guilt. He tells them he has suffered greatly through unintended deeds. He reveals that his daughters are, in fact, sisters of their father. The Chorus ask did he kill his father. He tells them, again, that he slew him without knowledge of his act (that it was his father whom he had killed).
Episode 1 Part B
Enter Theseus
He promises to support Oedipus. He is particularly pleased to hear from him that a oracle has promised to bring a great benefit to the City of Athens after his death, exactly what it is is not revealed.
He grants Oedipus his full protection, and full citizenship of Athens, and invites him to come to the City if he wants to. Oedipus tells him he prefers to remain at Colonus.
Exit Theseus
1st Stasimon [Lines 668-719]
Essentially an ode of praise chanted by the Chorus of Elders of Colonus. They lionise their deme extolling its virtues, and the wonders of Athens and Attica which are protected emphatically by Athena and Poseidon, and Athens' most especial mastery over the sea, and its horsemanship. Colonus is the shrine to the famous horseman and hero Coloneus Hippeis after whom the place is named, as well as it having shrines and temples associated with a number of different, but important gods and goddesses, all of which promises military success.
2nd Episode [Lines 720-1043]
Episode 2 Part A
Antigone says that such a blest land must now prove itself worthy.
Creon is seen approaching
Enter Creon with his guards and attendants.
Creon begins by trying to persuade Oedipus to come back with him.
Oedipus angrily refuses to go. He accuses him of some crafty scheme, that he would become his prisoner. Creon has already driven him out of Thebes by force. His words are worthless. He is content to remain with his new-found friends snd neighbours at Colonus. "Watch me not with ill intent, to plan attack where I should dwell in peace".
Creon says: "What if I were to seize you?" He then tells Oedipus that he has already seized Ismene, and that he will soon seize Antigone.
Oedipus appeals to the Chorus about their promised protection and to drive this monstrous beast from their land.
The Chorus tells Creon to leave their country immediately.
Creon orders his guard to seize Antigone.
(Kommos 1 833-843) (Iambic 844-875) (Kommos 2 876-886) Amoibaion
Soon thou wilt force me to the test of strength.
The Chorus try to rescue Antigone.
Creon. Keep off, I tell thee. ... If thou dost injure me,
Thou with my state wilt have to wage thy war.
Antigone. Ah, friends! ah, friends! they drag me.
Oedipus: Woe is me! all woe.
Creon's Guards carry off Antigone
Chorus: Though robbed of these girls, we will not let thee go.
Creon: I'll make your state pay a larger ransom. I will also take him [Oedipus]. Unless the ruler of this land forbid me.
Oedipus curses Creon.
Creon: In a just cause the weak overpower the strong.
Chorus. And is not this an outrage?
Creon. Outrage, yes, but still thou must bear it!
Episode 2 part B (887-1043)
Enter Theseus, followed by Athenians.
Theseus: What means this cry?
Oedipus: "This Creon, whom thou seest, has torn from me the only pair that I, as children, claim."
Theseus: Let someone ... go [to Athens] with utmost speed to summon all the people, both horse and foot, tarrying not for sacrifice, ... and meet where the two paths of travellers converge [one leading to Eleusis, the other to the Pythian], lest those two maidens slip from out of our hands.
Oedipus to Creon: Ï call upon the Euminides to come as helpers and allies, that you [Creon] may learn their mettle who this land defend.
Theseus: "And if these girls are within our borders, you may bring them before me; but if they get beyond, we need not toil for there are others hastening to pursue [his forces from Athens?]"
Exeunt Theseus and Athenians, with Creon and his guards.
2nd Stasimon [Lines 1044-1095]
This is the Battle Ode. The Chorus sing of the outcome of an imagined location of the encounter between the Athenians and the Thebans. In the middle of this ode the Chorus break up into individual voices, five different men each speaking as if they were individual soldiers, each looking forward to doing battle with Thebes, but fearful in the wait for the actual battle.
3rd Episode [Lines 1096-1210]
Theseus is seen approaching with Antigone and Ismene. He has rescued them both from the clutches of Creon. They enter.
Antigone to Oedipus: "This best of men [Theseus] who has brought us back to thee."
Oedipus to Antigone: "Tell me briefly how the deed was done."
Antigone tells Oedipus to listen to Theseus how he did it.
Theseus says he swore that he would bring these girls back alive, unscathed by any threatened harm. He says to Oedipus: "How the fight was won what need have I to boast."
Theseus says to Oedipus that he is to wait to hear some other matter: "Some one, near of kin to thee, yet not from Thebes, thy city, suppliant sits, close by Poseidon's altar, where it chanced, when summoned here, I offered sacrifice."
Oedipus: I know too well ... Who this strange suppliant is. ... My son. ... a voice that is hateful to a father's ear. I pray thee, prince, constrain me not to yield.
Theseus: His rights as suppliant should constrain us. Take heed that thou shew reverence for our God.
Antigone: Grant to us that this our brother come; for he shall not draw thee on against thy judgment ith words which are not fitting.
Oedipus: Be it as you will ... Bit let no one get the mastery of my life.
Exit Theseus
3rd Stasimon [Lines 1211-1248]
The Chorus reflect on the ills of old age, reflecting both on their fortunes and that of Oedipus,
Never to have been born is much the best; and the next best, by far, to return ... [to] where are beginnings are. While Youth is here ... whose feet can fare beyond the reach of pain. Old age [is] hateful friendlessness; this is our portion at the close of life, strengthless, companionless, wherewith abide ills passing all beside. Such are the aged, [such as we the Chorus]; but he this man of woes [Oedipus] is beaten down of every hand. ... Ocean's waves smite him without repose.
4th Episode [Lines 1249-1555]
Antigone mentions a man coming. Oedipus asks who he is. Antigone tell him that it is Polyneices, her brother and Oedipus's son.
Enter Polyneices
Polyneices begs his father and sisters to listen to him. He says he has been exiled from Thebes, by Eteocles his younger brother. The Erinnyes are to blame. That he has been to Argos, and Adrastos, king of Argos has made his daughter his wife. He has now gathered a force there of the best: seven chiefs and their men to follow him back to Thebes to lay waste to its citadel. That he will lead this army against Thebes.
He has been told that there has been an oracle which states that whichever side in the forthcoming battle clings to Oedipus will win this. He begs his father to come with him, both exiles, both sharing the same fate. That the despot lord [Creon] mocks them both, so he should join with him.
Oedipus tells the Chorus that Theseus had sent for Polyneices, to listen to him. He turns to Polyneices describing as a vile one. That he and his brother had both driven him away from Thebes, making him homeless, to wear rags. If it were not for his sisters [Antigone and Ismene] to care for him he would have none; they saved his life. He tells Polyneices that he disowns him as a son.
"I breathe these Curses [The Erinnyes] deep upon you both. ... That may ruin seize thee both. ... I am no more thy father. ... Die, slain by a brother's hand, and slaying him."
Antigone tells Polyneices to lead his army back to Argos, and not to bring ruin upon his homeland. "What profit is there in thy country's fall?"
Polyneices replies: "Retreat is base; and base that I, the elder, should thus be mocked and flouted by my brother."
Antigone to Polyneices: "The oracles [foretell] thou leadest to fulfilment, that you both [shall] meet your death, each from the other's hand."
Polyneices: "Restrain me not. Sad counsel must I take, for this my march, beforehand doomed to fail, by him, my father, and the Erinnyes."
Exit Polyneices
(Kommos 1447-1499)
Peals of thunder are heardThe Chorus sing an ode that Zeus has sent the thunder. Oedipus tells them that Theseus must be sent for. The Chorus beg Zeus not to bring darkness upon their mother-land. Oedipus wants and needs to tell Theseus about the benefits he had promised his kingdom. The Chorus beg that Theseus comes quickly.
[It is clear Oedipus is dying]
4th Stasimon [Lines 1556-1578]
The Chorus plead with the King of the Underworld [Hades] and Persephone to give Oedipus a painless death. They repeat this plea to the Errinyes (Daughters of Darkness), Cerberus the guard-dog of the Underworld and Thanatos himself, the lord of endless sleep.
Exodos [Lines 1579-1779]
Part A
Enter Messenger
The Messenger announces to the Chorus that Oedipus has died. He mentions several features about the place where and how this event took place: the Brazen Threshold, the basin where Perithous and Theseus left their pledges before descending into Hades, a place near the Thorician Stone, the hollow pear tree and the stone sepulchre. He mentions Oedipus was stripped of his rags and had bade his two daughters wash him with fresh water from the stream, and to clothe him afresh.
Antigone and Ismene weep after Zeus sends another thunderclap. Oedipus bids his daughters farewell, telling them their lives would become easier when he is gone. A god calls out for Oedipus to come. Oedipus then calls for Theseus to attend his death. Theseus comes. Theseus promises to do as Oedipus requests. Ordipus makes Theseus guardian of his two daughters for their welfare after he has passed away. He tells his two daughters to leave the place and tells Theseus to stay behind.
The Messenger then says that he now went out with the two girls. No one knows how Oedipus finally died. He, the Messenger, was not witness to this. Only Theseus knows.
Exit Messenger
(Kommos 1670-1750)
Enter Antigone and Ismene
They sing a lament with the Chorus over Oedipus death. They express their wish to go back to Thebes but they know not how they will achieve this.
Part B
Enter Theseus.
He tells the two girls to stop crying. The two girls ask to see their father's grave. Theseus refuses permission to do this. Its exact location must remain a secret. The two girls ask him to send them back to Thebes. He promises to grant them this wish. The Chorus conclude by telling all to stop weeping: it is not appropriate as all of this was pre-ordained.
Exeunt
References
Colonus (Attica) - Wikipedia
Oedipus - Wikipedia
Oedipus at Colonus - Wikipedia
Oedipus at Colonus - Wikisource
Oedipus at Colonus - Greek-Myth.com
ERINYES - The Furies, Greek Goddesses of Vengeance & Retribution - Theoi.com
PLUTARCH, LIFE OF THESEUS - Theoi Classical Texts Library
Oedipus at Colonus - Ancient History Encyclopedia
Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles - GreekMythology.com
The Oedipus Coloneus; with a commentary, abridged from the large ed. of Sir Richard C. Jebb. by E.S. Shuckburgh : Sophocles - Internet Archive
the oedipus coloneus of sophocles. CUP Archive.
Oedipus at Colonus - Cliff's Notes
Theatrical Space and Historical Place in Sophocles' Oedipus at Colonus - Lowell Edmunds - Google Books
Adrian Kelly (10 October 2013). Sophocles: Oedipus at Colonus. A&C Black. ISBN 978-1-4725-1971-9.
Sir Richard C. Jebb, Commentary on Sophocles: Oedipus at Colonus, - Perseus Digital Library
Sophocles (2014). tr. R.C. Trevelyan. Oedipus at Colonus. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-107-63428-2.Wallace, Nathaniel O. “‘Oedipus at Colonus’: The Hero in His Collective Context.” Quaderni Urbinati Di Cultura Classica, vol. 3, 1979, pp. 39–52. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20538597
Birge, Darice. “The Grove of the Eumenides: Refuge and Hero Shrine in Oedipus at Colonus.” The Classical Journal, vol. 80, no. 1, 1984, pp. 11–17. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/3297392.
Three Theban plays tr T.H. Banks Oedipus at Colonus
Greek Version
Οιδίπους επί Κολωνώ by Sophocles - Project Gutenberg
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus (Greek) (ed. Francis Storr)
Translations
Plays of Sophocles: Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus; Antigone by Sophocles - Project Gutenberg
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus (English) (ed. Sir Richard Jebb)
Oedipus at Colonus tr. Gilbert Murray
The Internet Classics Archive | Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles
Oedipus at Colonus : Sophocles - Internet Archive - Dover Thrift Edition
Oedipus at Colonus : Sophocles (Jebb translation) - Internet Archive
Oedipus at Colonus and Electra : Sophocles (P.D. Arnott trans) - Internet Archive
Sophocles (1984). tr Roberts Fagles (ed.). The Three Theban Plays. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-044425-4.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus - Center for Hellenic Strudies
Audio
Oedipus at Colonus - Librivox (YouTube)
The Thebans : Sophocles - Internet Archive
Oedipus At Colonus : BBC Radio 3 - Internet Archive
Episode_031_the_requiem_at_athens Doug Metzger
Video
Oedipus at Colonus, part 2 of The Theban Plays - Youtube
Ancient Greek theater performance: Oedipus on Kolonna, Sophocles - Youtube
Libation Rite [Lines 461-509]
Chorus: Oedipus, you well deserve our pity.
Your daughters too. And since you add to this
Your pledge to be a savior to our land
I will advise you in the way that you should go.
OED: Counsel me, then. I will do all you ask.
Chorus: Seek absolution from the deities
For your trespass;, when you first came here to find them.
OED: What rites are proper here? Advise me, friends.
Chorus: First you must go with pure hands, where the stream
Of living water flows. Bring back libations. -470
OED: When I have this pure draught, what should I do then?
Chorus: There are pitchers made with care and loving hands;
Wind the handles and the mouth between-
OED: With what? With wreaths of olive? Strands of wool?
Chorus: With the fleece cut from a ewe lamb, newly shorn.
OED: So be it. And when this is done. what next?
Chorus: Face toward the dawn, and pour the offerings.
OED: Pour them from the vessels I have wreathed?
Chorus: Three times. Be sure you drain the last one dry.
OED: This last what should I fill it with? Inform me. -480
Chorus: Water and honey. You must add no wine.
OED: And when the earth has drunk there, in the shadows-
Chorus: Then with both hands lay upon the ground
Olive branches, three times nine, and say this prayer.
OED: Tell me. Without the prayer the rest is nothing.
Chorus: That those who we call The Kindly Ones [Eumenides] should greet you
With kind hearts, since you come to ask protection
And offer it. Whoever makes this prayer,
Yourself, or one you trust, must whisper it,
Then go, and look not back. If this is done -490
I shall defend you without fear. If not
I tremble when I think what might befall you.
OED: Do you hear them, daughters? These men know the place.
ANT: We heard them. Tell us what we have to do.
OED: I cannot go that way. I am not whole,
But doubly blemished, lacking strength and sight.
One of you must go there in my stead,
For in such rites I think a single man,
If he is pure in heart, can stand for thousands.
Go do it, then, and quickly. Yet you must not -500
Leave me here alone. My strength is gone,
I cannot even walk without a guide.
ISM: Let me go. I shall do it. But this place
I have to find-where is it? You must tell me.
Chorus: On the far side of the grove. If you are lost
There is a guardian there who will inform you.
ISM: I will run on my errand then. Antigone,
Stay with father and look after him. We must not
Think it trouble when our parents need us.
Exit ISMENE into the grove.
No comments:
Post a Comment