The curse of Oedipus

Explanation

Aeschylus mentions it in the Seven against Thebes. The story is that Eteocles and Polynices, accustomed to send Oedipus the shoulder of every sacrificial victim, forgetting once sent him a hip; and he, thinking himself insulted, cursed them. Others say that, after Oedipus was recognised by his mother Iocasta, he blinded himself; and the inhabitants, learning of the abomination committed, drove Oedipus from Thebes; whereupon he cursed his sons, since they had not defended him when he was being driven from the city. Hence later they were killed by each other.