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Oedipus at Kolonnus: the sign from Zeus (audio)

This extract precedes the messenger speech describing the death of Oedipus. Having argued with his son Polynices, Oedipus is at the temple of Poseidon with Theseus and his daughters Antigone and Ismene. At this point a thunderstorm breaks out. Oedipus interprets this as a sign from Zeus that he must die in order to save Athens. He explains this to Theseus and swears him to secrecy over the location of his tomb as this will ensure the eternal protection of Athens.

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2 minutes

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