Oedipus the King by Sophocles: Fate versus Free Will In Oedipus the King, one of Sophocles' most popular works, Sophocles clearly describes the popular Greek belief that fate will control a man's life despite his free will. Man was free to choose and was ultimately held responsible for his actions. In Oedipus Rex, the concept of fate and free will plays an integral role in Oedipus' destruction. Destined to marry his mother and kill his father, Oedipus was partly guided by fate. This prophecy, as warned by the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, was absolute and would inevitably come true. Regarding free will, Oedipus' actions, temperament, impulsive nature, and pride (hubris), as well as his faulty judgment (hamartia), all contributed to his eventual downfall. At the beginning of the tragedy, Oedipus was made aware of his fate. Immediately after receiving the news, Oedipus fled Corinth and headed towards Thebes thinking he could escape his fate. Unknowingly, Oedipus had just begun to walk the path that led to his fall. Shortly thereafter he killed his father Laius and later married his mother Jocasta. These actions demonstrated that his life was predetermined by fate and that he was unable to change it. Years later, Oedipus is informed of the plague that has struck Thebes and is asked to help him. Oedipus could have waited for the plague to end, but feeling pity for his suffering people, he sent Creon to Delphi where he was supposed to beg Apollo for relief....