Lines 510 - 667

The third and final section of Episode I begins with the forty line choric "kommos" between Oedipus and the chorus (Lines 510-548) and ends with the long-awaited arrival of king Theseus who is to determine whether or not Oedipus stays on at Colonus. In the first strophe of the "kommos", the chorus wish to learn more about Oedipus' former woes in Thebes, but he is reluctant to open up old wounds. As they persist in their demand, he yields to them in the anti-strophe. He admits that he entered into an "ill-omened, unhappy nuptial bond" with his own mother. He stoutly maintains that this was "undersigned, unsought" as he "knew not what I did."

In the second strophe, Oedipus shamefully admits that his two daughters are his "twin curses" as they are "their sire's sisters too". He does not agree to the chorus' charge that he has sinned. He firmly reiterates that his was not a willful act of sin. In the second antistrophe, the chorus elicits a confession from Oedipus that he is guilty of parricide even though he maintains that he killed his father only in self-defense. He considers himself "legally stainless and in innocence." The "kommos" ends with the entry of Theseus at line 549.

As yet, Oedipus cannot reveal how his impending death will be a blessing to Athens. All he craves from Theseus is a place to die peacefully. The Athenian king promises to grant Oedipus his simple request for safe asylum. Oedipus then reveals that his sons intend to come and abduct him from Colonus and take him back to Thebes. Theseus wonders why Oedipus prefers a life of banishment to the honor of returning home. This rouses the old man's ire. He angrily retorts that his sons once wished to exile him even though he desired to stay on in Thebes. Oedipus' outburst here surprises Theseus who advises him to be temperate and restrained. He sagely says, "O insensate one/Wrath is not fitting in adversity."

Oedipus then begs Theseus to hear him fully before censuring him, for he has suffered "wrongs upon wrongs, most cruel". He succinctly sums up his tragic case by saying:

"By my own off-spring was I hunted forth Out of my country; and I never more Can, as a parricide, return again".

Of course, Theseus is curious to find out why the sons of Oedipus want him back in Thebes, and Oedipus tells him that they need him only to suit their selfish purposes in the current civil war. According to the oracle at Delphin, whichever side Oedipus dies on will prove to be the victor of this battle.

Hearing this, Theseus accepts Oedipus graciously as his ally and friend. To him, Oedipus is a human being and has a right to humane treatment. Besides, he has come to Colonus as a suppliant to their guards and may one day bring the Athenians great blessings if they allow him sanctuary in their land. Theseus charges his subjects to guard Oedipus from any future harm and also generously offers Oedipus the choice of either staying in the palace at Athens or in the groves of Colonus.

Oedipus prays that Zeus may shower his blessings on the king and his subjects. He chooses to stay on at Colonus because he implicitly trusts Theseus' guarantee of safety. Yet, Oedipus fears the threats from his two sons and Creon. Theseus reassures him that no one shall drag him from this place against his will. As he leaves, Theseus offers a word of consolation to Oedipus by saying, "Even in my absence, I am well assured/My name will guard you from all injury."

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