Teiresias

Teiresias in Oedipus Rex

1. Introduction

In Oedipus Rex, Teiresias represents wisdom, prophecy, and divine truth. He is physically blind but can “see” the spiritual truth that others cannot. His blindness becomes a symbol of insight.

Critic E. R. Dodds says: “Teiresias is the voice of divine reason amidst the blindness of human pride.”

Through Teiresias, Sophocles contrasts human ignorance with divine knowledge, showing that true understanding comes from within, not from outward sight.

2. The Symbol of Divine Wisdom

Teiresias is the prophet of Apollo, chosen to speak the god’s truth. When Oedipus asks him to name the murderer of Laius, he refuses, knowing the truth will destroy Oedipus’s peace.

“Let me go home. So shalt thou bear thy load most easily-

If thou wilt take my counsel – and I will.”

He chooses silence because he respects divine order and knows that premature truth can bring suffering. This shows his wisdom and restraint, unlike Oedipus’s impatience.

3. The Conflict with Oedipus

When Oedipus insults and provokes him, Teiresias finally reveals the truth.

“being of this land yourself the abominable contaminator.”

Oedipus mocks the prophet’s blindness:

“I say – You have your sight, and do not see what evils are about you….”

This exchange is full of dramatic irony. Oedipus can see physically but is blind to his own identity. Teiresias, though blind, sees the truth. The scene reflects the tragedy’s main theme — ignorance versus knowledge.

4. The Voice of Fate and Irony

Teiresias becomes the mouthpiece of fate. He predicts Oedipus’s downfall and suffering:

“…for blind instead of seeing,

 And poor for wealthy, to a foreign land,

A staff to point his footsteps, he shall go.”

These lines foretell Oedipus’s future — he will become blind and exiled. Teiresias’s prophecy shows that no one can escape destiny, no matter how powerful or intelligent.

5. Moral Force and Spiritual Clarity

Teiresias appears only once, yet he changes the entire course of the play. His truth begins Oedipus’s journey toward self-knowledge. He represents moral strength and spiritual clarity. Even when Oedipus mocks him, Teiresias remains calm, reminding everyone that truth and divine will stand above human pride.

6. Conclusion: The True Sight Lies Within

Teiresias teaches that real vision comes from understanding the truth of the soul, not from physical sight.

Critic A. C. Bradley remarks: “Teiresias, though blind, sees what the open eyes of Oedipus cannot — the inward blindness that is sin.”

Through Teiresias, Sophocles shows that knowledge without humility leads to downfall. The prophet’s blindness becomes a light of wisdom — guiding Oedipus and the audience toward self-realization.