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. . . who seems -- according to Emerson -- to be cautioning him not to be too confident of his answer: |
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The old Sphinx bit her thick lip Said,"Who taught thee me to name? I am thy spirit, yoke-fellow, Of thine eye I am eyebeam.
"Thou art the unanswered question;
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Emerson's cautionary addendum to the ancient tale rings true. According to some versions of the story, Oedipus answered the riddle of the Sphinx, whereupon the Sphinx jumped to her death because of her defeat, though according to others she just left. In any case, the Thebans were freed from her harassment (or so it seemed) and made Oedipus ruler in consequence of that. A hasty conclusion, perhaps — or so the subsequent fate of Thebes under the rule of the impulsive Oedipus would seem to imply! Anybody know what really happened there? We'll include any comments on or elucidations of this ancient -- and always timely -- puzzle, if you send a note. |