A storm rises, and Oedipus recognizes that the end of his life is at hand. He calls for Theseus to fulfill one last task. The Chorus is terrified that the wrath of the gods might befall them at last.
Instead, Oedipus grants protection to Theseus and his city if his instructions are carried out. Theseus must follow Oedipus to his final resting place, but keep its location a secret. They leave with Antigone and Ismene for the final journey, with Oedipus leading the way.
The Chorus sing a song of requiem, and of praise to Hades and Persephone, gods of the underworld.
A messenger arrives to describe the final actions. They walked to the very entrance of the underworld itself. Oedipus said his final goodbyes and granted his daughters to the protection of the city of Colonus. Then the gods called him home, a final step witnessed only by Theseus. It was a peaceful passing.
The girls arrive, devastated. Antigone, especially, does not wish to go on with her life, and wishes instead to follow her father to death itself. Ismene reminds her that it is impossible. Theseus will not budge and will keep the secret as instructed. Antigone resolves, then, to return to Thebes and do what she can to protect her brothers, an act of Love that flows from her father's own love for her.
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Oedipus has said what needed to be said in his life, and goes truly at peace. So it is with Sophocles.
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