Sphinx

Definition

The Sphinx is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, often associated with riddles and guardianship in ancient mythology. In Greek mythology, the most famous Sphinx is linked to the Theban Cycle, where it posed a riddle to travelers, demanding an answer to proceed. Its role as a guardian highlights themes of knowledge, truth, and the consequences of ignorance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sphinx's famous riddle was: 'What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?', which Oedipus answered correctly with 'Man'.
2. The Sphinx is often depicted as a female figure in Greek art, symbolizing mystery and enigma.
3. In mythology, when travelers could not answer the Sphinx's riddle, they were killed and devoured, emphasizing her role as a deadly guardian.
4. The Sphinx has connections to Egyptian mythology as well, where it serves as a symbol of strength and protection, often guarding tombs.
5. The defeat of the Sphinx by Oedipus ultimately led to his tragic downfall, intertwining his fate with the fate of Thebes and highlighting themes of knowledge versus ignorance.

Review Questions

• How does the Sphinx function as a symbol in Greek mythology, particularly in relation to knowledge and truth?
  • The Sphinx serves as a powerful symbol in Greek mythology by embodying the complex relationship between knowledge and truth. By posing her riddle to travelers, she challenges them to confront their own understanding and awareness. This theme resonates deeply in the story of Oedipus, who, by successfully answering the riddle, gains not only entry into Thebes but also initiates his own tragic journey tied to fate and self-discovery.
• Discuss the significance of the Sphinx's riddle in relation to Oedipus's character development throughout his story.
  • The Sphinx's riddle is crucial for Oedipus's character development because it marks both his rise and eventual downfall. By solving the riddle, Oedipus displays his intelligence and earns respect as he becomes king of Thebes. However, this initial success foreshadows his tragic fate as he later uncovers truths about himself that lead to despair. The riddle thus serves as a turning point that illustrates themes of knowledge, hubris, and destiny.
• Evaluate the impact of the Sphinx on the broader themes of fate and tragedy within Greek mythology, especially in connection with Thebes.
  • The Sphinx significantly impacts the broader themes of fate and tragedy in Greek mythology through her direct involvement in Oedipus's story. Her presence introduces critical questions about knowledge and ignorance; when Oedipus answers her riddle, it sets off a chain reaction that ultimately reveals his tragic destiny. The Sphinx's role as both guardian and harbinger signifies how knowledge can lead to enlightenment but also to devastating consequences. This duality emphasizes the tragic nature of fate that permeates many stories associated with Thebes.

Related terms

Riddle: A statement or question that requires thought to answer or understand, often used by the Sphinx to challenge those who sought to enter Thebes.

Oedipus: A key figure in Greek mythology who encountered the Sphinx; he solved her riddle, leading to his rise as the king of Thebes.

Thebes:

An ancient city in Greece that became a focal point in the stories involving the Sphinx and Oedipus, representing themes of fate and tragedy.