This is one of his less intelligent and brash decisions, indicating that he was too proud to make way for someone who had just insulted him. Oedipus continued, and, on reaching Thebes, Oedipus saved the city from a sphinx that was viciously guarding the city's gates. This decision prompted to the current ruler to step down to make way for Oedipus to take charge of the city with the lady ruler, which happened to be his mother Jocasta, thus fulfilling the prophecy.
Yet the gods were not satisfied with the prophecy merely being fulfilled, Oedipus must discover that he has wronged and go through gruelling mental torture. So they place a terrible plague upon Thebes, the crops begin to die, the women cannot bear children and the very young and very old are ridden with disease. Out of his best interest for his people, Oedipus decides to what is wrong with his city, and send his brother in law, Creon, to ask an oracle what can be done to cure Thebes. Creon returns bearing news that the murderer of Laius must be banished from Thebes. Oedipus gives a speech indicating that the murderer will be severely punished. He then called upon a blind prophet demanding to know who Laius" murderer is. The prophet refuses to divulge the information, saying that Oedipus is better off not knowing the answer. Yet Oedipus chooses to badger him until the prophet loses his nerve and tells Oedipus that he is the one polluting Thebes. After being warned not to dig further into the past, Oedipus" curiosity and stubbornness drives him to find out more. A messenger is sent from his home city stating that his "father" has passed away. Oedipus is momentarily relieved to find that he had successfully escaped the prophecy, but the messenger reveals that he was actually found abandoned on a mountainside. Oedipus then, after Jocasta's fruitless attempts at convince him not to pursue his search for his heritage, called upon a Shepard who is said to know a little of Oedipus" childhood.