How does Oedipus finally find out the real identity of the killer of Laius?

    Oedipus, the king of Thebes, is determined to find out the truth about the murder of his predecessor, Laius. Despite the many obstacles and challenges he faces, he remains resolute in his quest for justice.

    One of the first steps Oedipus takes is to consult the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. The oracle tells him that the killer of Laius is someone close to him, and that Oedipus himself is the cause of the plague that has struck Thebes. Oedipus is shocked and confused by this revelation, and decides to take matters into his own hands.

    He begins by questioning everyone he can think of who might have information about the murder. He talks to his wife, Jocasta, who tells him that Laius was killed by a group of bandits while traveling to Delphi. Oedipus is skeptical of this story, however, and continues to search for the truth.

    He also speaks to the shepherd who discovered the body of Laius and brought the baby Oedipus to Corinth. The shepherd reveals that the baby was given to him by a servant of Laius, who claimed that the child was the result of an affair between Laius and Jocasta. Oedipus is shocked by this revelation, and begins to suspect that Jocasta may be involved in the murder of Laius.

    Despite these clues, Oedipus is still unable to determine the identity of the killer. He becomes increasingly frustrated and desperate, and begins to doubt his own abilities as a king. He even considers abdicating his throne and fleeing Thebes, but ultimately decides to stay and continue his investigation.

    Finally, Oedipus receives a breakthrough in his search for the truth. A man named Teiresias, a famous prophet and seer, comes to him and reveals that Oedipus himself is the killer of Laius. Teiresias tells Oedipus that he was born to Laius and Jocasta, and that he was abandoned as a baby because of a prophecy that he would one day kill his father and marry his mother.

    Oedipus is stunned by this revelation, and struggles to accept that he could be responsible for such a terrible crime. He becomes angry and aggressive, accusing Teiresias of lying and trying to discredit him. However, Teiresias remains calm and resolute, insisting that he is telling the truth.

    Despite Oedipus's disbelief, the evidence against him continues to mount. A messenger arrives from Corinth, bringing news that Oedipus's parents, Polybus and Merope, have died. Oedipus is relieved by this news, believing it means he cannot be guilty of killing Laius, since Polybus was his father. However, the messenger reveals that Oedipus was not actually the son of Polybus and Merope, but was adopted by them after being abandoned as a baby.

    This revelation is the final piece of the puzzle for Oedipus, and he is finally able to accept the truth about his past and his role in the murder of Laius. He is overwhelmed with grief and shame, and decides to punish himself by gouging out his own eyes and going into exile.

    In the end, Oedipus finally discovers the real identity of the killer of Laius through a combination of his own investigation, the revelations of the oracle at Delphi, and the testimony of Teiresias and the messenger from Corinth. Despite his initial disbelief and denial, he is ultimately able to accept the truth about his past and the role he played in the