Abstract

In Sophocles’ OT 261 the phrase κοινῶν παίδων κοινά is to be translated as “common (descendants) of joint children”. If Laios had not been killed, he and Iokaste would have had children and grandchildren together. By ways of tragic irony Oedipus describes thus reality: Laios does have grandchildren, as Oedipus’ children are truly Laius’ grandchildren, since Oedipus is his son.