How is the shepherd connected to Oedipus?

The shepherd's connection to Oedipus is primarily established through his role as a servant of King Laius. This relationship is pivotal because the shepherd possesses crucial information about Oedipus’s origins and the events surrounding his infancy. After Laius and Jocasta received the prophecy that their son would kill his father, it was the shepherd who was tasked with disposing of the infant Oedipus to prevent the prophecy from coming true. Instead of killing the baby, he chose to save him by giving him to another shepherd from Corinth, leading to Oedipus's eventual adoption by the royal family there. This act set in motion the tragic events of the play, making the shepherd a key figure in Oedipus's life story. His connection plays a significant role in the unraveling of Oedipus's true identity and the fulfillment of the tragic prophecy.