How did Polybus die, and how does this affect Oedipus?

Polybus, the king of Corinth and Oedipus’s adoptive father, died of natural causes. This is significant for Oedipus because he previously believed that he was fated to kill his father, and the prophecy he had learned about leading to his downfall weighed heavily on him. The natural death of Polybus alleviates Oedipus's immediate fears about fulfilling this part of the prophecy. He sees this event as evidence that he has somehow escaped his fate, which gives him a sense of relief. Oedipus's misunderstanding of fate versus free will becomes a central theme in the narrative, showcasing his tragic journey and the consequences of his quest for truth.