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The original title, in Greek, is : Οἰδίπους Τύραννος. The author, Sophocles of Greece, is thought to have written the play, one of three pertaining to the life of Oedipus and his children by Sophocles (known as the Theban Plays) sometime around 432 B.C.E.* Scholars indicate that the origins of the story are far older.

Variations in the translation and spelling of the original Greek title abound, as do variations in the translation of the work as a whole.

In Latin, the title was translated as "Oedipus Rex." However, the original Greek title was also used, transliterated into Latin, as "Oedipus Tyrannvs."

Latin lacks the letter "u, " using, instead, the letter "v." So it seems that, in many cases, the Latin transliteration of the Greek title has been transliterated into English as "Oedipus Tyrannus."

Transliteration of the original Greek title directly into English results in the variant spelling, "Oidipous Tyrannos."

More recent translations, in English, commonly give the title as "Oedipus the King."

According to Arlene Saxonhouse ( The Tyranny of Reason in the World of the Polis, Arlene Saxonhouse, University of Michigan. The American Political Science Review, Vol. 82 No. 4, December 1988), "The tyrannos is the new ruler, the one who has come to power in the city by means other than birth or established precedent. Therewith his illegitimacy - but also his freedom... Among the ancient Greeks, tyranny incorporated a freedom to break away from what was old and limiting. Released from traditions, the tyrant could transform the world in which people lived."

*Before the Christian Era.

In Greek, it is known as Oedipus Tyrannos. But the title should only be 'Oedipus'

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By which title is 'Oedipus Rex' also known?

"Oedipus Tyrannus" and "Oedipus the King" are two titles by which the play "Oedipus Rex" also is known.Specifically, "Oedipus Tyrannus" is the play's original title by ancient Greek playwright Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.). "Oedipus Rex" is the title that is given to the Latin translation of the original Greek play. "Oedipus the King" is the title to the English translation.


What is the meaning of the title 'Oedipus Rex'?

"Oedipus the King" is the meaning of the title "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the title "Oedipus Rex" is in Latin. It is a translation of the original title of "Oedipus Tyrannus" in ancient Greek. But the Latin is not a literal translation since the Greek translates literally into English as "Oedipus the Tyrant."


Who is the author of 'Oedipus Rex'?

Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.) is the author of the play "Oedipus Rex."Specifically, the original title of the play is "Oedipus Tyrannus." The play is better known under its Latin title, "Oedipus Rex." The Latin title is translated directly and literally into English as "Oedipus the King."


What is the significance of the title in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That Oedipus is the main character and that he is king for illegal, offensive reasons is the significance of the title "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the play most often is known by its title in translation, into English as "Oedipus the King" and into Latin as "Oedipus Rex." But the title loses its original meaning in translation. The original Greek title, "OedipusTyrannus," refers to the seizure of power by illegal, offensive means. It reflects the fact that Oedipus rules, not because he marries the widowed Theban queen Jocasta, but because he kills that queen's first husband.


Is Oedipus royalty in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Yes, Oedipus is royalty in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Oedipus is born a prince of Thebes. He is raised a prince of Corinth. He receives the title of king from Thebes. He refuses the title of king of Corinth just before he becomes a disgraced royal.

Related Questions

By which title is 'Oedipus Rex' also known?

"Oedipus Tyrannus" and "Oedipus the King" are two titles by which the play "Oedipus Rex" also is known.Specifically, "Oedipus Tyrannus" is the play's original title by ancient Greek playwright Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.). "Oedipus Rex" is the title that is given to the Latin translation of the original Greek play. "Oedipus the King" is the title to the English translation.


What is the meaning of the title 'Oedipus Rex'?

"Oedipus the King" is the meaning of the title "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the title "Oedipus Rex" is in Latin. It is a translation of the original title of "Oedipus Tyrannus" in ancient Greek. But the Latin is not a literal translation since the Greek translates literally into English as "Oedipus the Tyrant."


Who is the author of 'Oedipus Rex'?

Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.) is the author of the play "Oedipus Rex."Specifically, the original title of the play is "Oedipus Tyrannus." The play is better known under its Latin title, "Oedipus Rex." The Latin title is translated directly and literally into English as "Oedipus the King."


What is the significance of the title in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That Oedipus is the main character and that he is king for illegal, offensive reasons is the significance of the title "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the play most often is known by its title in translation, into English as "Oedipus the King" and into Latin as "Oedipus Rex." But the title loses its original meaning in translation. The original Greek title, "OedipusTyrannus," refers to the seizure of power by illegal, offensive means. It reflects the fact that Oedipus rules, not because he marries the widowed Theban queen Jocasta, but because he kills that queen's first husband.


What is 'Oedipus Rex' in English?

"Oedipus the King" is the English translation of the mixed Greek and Latin phrase "Oedipus Rex."Specifically, the mixed phrase is the title of a play by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.). The English translation is literal. But the play's original title actually is "Oedipus Tyrannos," or "Oedipus the Tyrant."


Oedipus Rex is also known by what title?

Oedipus the King


Oedipus Rex is also know by what title?

Oedipus the King


By what other title is 'Oedipus Rex' known?

In Greek it is known as Oedipus Tyrannos. But the title should only be 'Oedipus'


How do you reference 'Oedipus Rex'?

Through linking the play with its author Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.) the play "Oedipus Rex" may be referenced most easily.Specifically, English language speakers are familiar with the play through one, two or all of its titles. The original title from the ancient Greece is written as "Oedipus Tyrannus." The Latin translation, though not exact, is "Oedipus Rex." The English title is a literal translation of the Latin: "Oedipus the King."


Is Oedipus royalty in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Yes, Oedipus is royalty in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Oedipus is born a prince of Thebes. He is raised a prince of Corinth. He receives the title of king from Thebes. He refuses the title of king of Corinth just before he becomes a disgraced royal.


What is 'Rex' from 'Oedipus Rex' in English?

"Rex" is Latin for "King". Oedipus Rex means "Oedipus the King".


Is Oedipus a tyrant in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Yes, Oedipus is a tyrant in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the original title of the play is "OedipusTyrannus" in Greek. According to the ancient Greeks, a tyrant seizes power by illegal means. Oedipus becomes King of Thebes by killing Laius, his royal predecessor and own father, and by marrying Jocasta, Laius' widow and Oedipus' mother. Both actions that lead to his kingship are illegal.