In Oedipus the King, gods play a huge part in the turn out of the events, and although they are more behind the scenes then other characters, gods are always present in the mind of the reader. After reading the play, there is a feeling of madness towards the gods, because of all the things they have put upon the King and his people. Although this play is a tragedy one can't help but blame everything on the gods. According to Greek believes, a man was free to choose his own steps in life and was ultimately held responsible for his own actions. Therefore one can't blame everything on gods, although they did choose that road for Oedipus, it was up to him to follow it or not. .
Both the concept of fate and free will played a huge part in Oedipus's destruction. Although he was a victim of fate given to him by gods, he was not controlled by it. Oedipus was destined from birth to someday marry his mother and to murder his father. This prophecy, as warned by the oracle of Apollo at Delphi was unconditional and inevitably would come to pass, no matter what he may have done to avoid it. His past actions were determined by fate, but what he did in Thebes; he did so of his own will.
When reading the play one blames gods for everything, however it might not be the right thing to do, and although Gods did create the fate of the King and his people, they had a say in how it was going to come out. Life is never easy, even today gods give people obstacles in life and it is up to us to overcome them or not. If one commits a sin, he or she will pay for it and will be punished, and if one does something good, he or she will be rewarded. The play shows a great deal of reverence towards gods throughout the scenes, for they are the gods and according to the Greek believes they are the highest power and are always right in their doings. Therefore no matter how much it feels that the Gods are to be blamed and are too cruel in their decisions, they always do what is meant to be.
