Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jorge Luis Borges' poem "Oedipus and the Riddle" revisits the ancient Greek myth of Oedipus, who famously solved the riddle of the Sphinx, and uses this myth to explore deeper existential themes related to human identity, destiny, and the inevitability of decay. Through this reflection, Borges delves into the universal human experience, suggesting that the myth of Oedipus is not just a story from antiquity but a representation of every individual's journey through life.

The poem begins by referencing the famous riddle posed by the Sphinx: "At dawn four-footed, at midday erect, / And wandering on three legs in the deserted / Spaces of afternoon." The riddle, which Oedipus solves, describes the stages of human life—crawling on all fours as an infant, walking on two legs as an adult, and using a cane (the third leg) in old age. The Sphinx, a symbol of mystery and enigma, envisions man as a creature whose form and nature change over time, reflecting the transient and evolving nature of human existence.

Borges then introduces the figure of Oedipus, "Deciphering, appalled at the monstrous other / Presence in the mirror, the reflection / Of his decay and of his destiny." Here, Oedipus is not only solving the riddle but also confronting the terrifying realization of what it reveals about himself. The "monstrous other" in the mirror represents the inevitability of decay and the tragic destiny that Oedipus will ultimately face. This moment of recognition is a powerful metaphor for the human condition, where self-awareness brings with it an understanding of our own mortality and the unavoidable decline that accompanies aging.

The poem then takes a universal turn: "We are Oedipus; in some eternal way / We are the long and threefold beast as well— / All that we will be, all that we have been." Borges suggests that the story of Oedipus is not unique to the mythological figure but is a reflection of the shared human experience. We are all Oedipus, journeying through the stages of life, facing our own riddles, and ultimately confronting the truths about our existence. The "threefold beast"—representing the stages of life—embodies the entirety of our being, encompassing our past, present, and future selves.

Borges warns that to fully comprehend "The huge shape of our being" would be overwhelming, even annihilating. The vastness and complexity of our existence, if fully revealed, would be too much for us to bear. This idea underscores the limitations of human understanding and the mercy inherent in our inability to grasp the full extent of our own lives and destinies.

The poem concludes with a note of mercy: "mercifully / God offers us issue and oblivion." Borges suggests that the divine, in its compassion, provides us with a way out—"issue" likely referring to death or the end of life—and "oblivion," which can be seen as either the relief of forgetting or the final release from the burdens of existence. This oblivion is not necessarily a negative force; rather, it is a merciful gift that spares us from the unbearable weight of self-knowledge and the full comprehension of our mortal condition.

"Oedipus and the Riddle" is a profound meditation on the human condition, using the myth of Oedipus as a lens through which to explore the universal experience of life, aging, and death. Borges invites the reader to reflect on the nature of existence, the inevitability of decay, and the merciful limits of human understanding. Through this reflection, the poem resonates with the timelessness of the Oedipus myth, suggesting that each of us, in our own way, must face the riddles of life and come to terms with the truths they reveal.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...