How does Oedipus perceive the truth about his parentage?

Oedipus perceives the truth about his parentage as significant to his identity and fate. He initially believes that he is fortunate and has been spared the fate prophesied by the oracle, which leads him to feel he is a "child of luck." This perception reflects his initial confidence in escaping the prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. His attitude is shaped by a sense of pride and a belief that he has already outsmarted fate by leaving Corinth, where he was raised, and coming to Thebes, seeking to avoid his foretold doom.

This belief in luck is a critical point because it underscores Oedipus's tragic flaw—hubris or excessive pride. His certainty in his good fortune blinds him to the reality of his situation, leading him to dismiss warnings and ignore clues that might lead him to the uncomfortable truth about his origins. As the story unfolds, this perception ultimately shifts as the tragic reality of his parentage is revealed, leading to his downfall.