Sophocles introduces the readers to “Oedipus the King” by highlighting his triumphs. Oedipus ascended as the King of Thebes after solving the riddle of the Sphinx, an accomplishment that has brought him fame and power. The inhabitance of Thebes falling, martyred by plagues have congregated for prayer at the royal house of Thebes, the temple of” Queen Athena, the goddess of wisdom and protector of Greek cities,” and the river temple of Apollo. (1300). Their prayers are given to “Apollo, the god of poetry, the sun, prophecy and healing,” with offerings of wool to beg for relief from the agony and death brought upon them by the plagues. (1300).