Oedipus Rex by Sophocles is a seminal Greek tragedy that explores themes of fate, free will, and the search for truth. The play follows King Oedipus as he seeks to rid Thebes of a devastating plague by uncovering the murderer of the former king, Laius. Unbeknownst to him, Oedipus himself is the culprit, having unwittingly fulfilled a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. The narrative's dramatic irony and exploration of human limitations have cemented its place as a cornerstone of classical literature.