The exact riddle of the Sphinx in the story of Oedipus is: "What goes on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening?" The definitive answer to this riddle is man.
The Sphinx, a fearsome mythical creature with the head of a woman, the body of a lion, and the wings of a bird, terrorized the ancient city of Thebes. She perched on a high rock near the city's entrance, accosting all travelers and demanding they answer her enigmatic question. Failure to provide the correct answer resulted in their immediate death.
The Sphinx's Challenge
The core of the Sphinx's terror was her riddle, which tested not just knowledge, but insight into the human condition:"What goes on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening?"
Oedipus's Brilliant Solution
When Oedipus arrived at Thebes and encountered the Sphinx, he was the first to correctly solve her riddle. His insightful answer, **man**, showcased his profound understanding of life's progression:- Morning (Infancy): Represents the beginning of life, when a human baby crawls on all "four legs" (hands and knees).
- Afternoon (Adulthood): Symbolizes the prime of life, when a human walks upright on "two legs."
- Evening (Old Age): Refers to the later stages of life, when a human often uses a walking stick or cane, effectively moving on "three legs" (two legs plus the cane).
This progression can be clearly illustrated:
| Time of Day | Stage of Life | Description of Movement ("Legs") |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Infancy | Crawls on four (hands and knees) |
| Afternoon | Adulthood | Walks upright on two |
| Evening | Old Age | Walks on three (two legs and a cane) |
The Sphinx's Defeat and Oedipus's Rise
Upon hearing Oedipus's correct and undeniable answer, the Sphinx was utterly defeated. Legend states that in her shame and fury, she hurled herself from her rocky perch and died, thus freeing Thebes from her deadly tyranny. Oedipus's triumph over the Sphinx cemented his reputation as a hero and led to him being offered the kingship of Thebes, setting in motion the tragic events of his destiny.Learn more about the broader context of this myth on Wikipedia: Oedipus.
