Oedipus In this excerpt, the reader is introduced to the dark and diminishing city of Thebes. It is learned that there must be certain action taken in order to stop the destruction of the city. Several years prior there ruled a king. King Laius was the great ruler of Thebes. That is, until he was murdered. Thus the legends and tales begin. Who killed King Laius? For so long it was believed to be a pack of thieves which brought the King’s demise. The people of Thebes, along with their new King, were willing to accept and believe this. King Oedipus, Laius’ predecessor, is faced with the challenge of the gods. In order for