What action does Oedipus take when he learns the truth about his actions?

When Oedipus discovers the horrifying truth about his lineage and the fulfillment of the prophecy—that he has unwittingly killed his father and married his mother—he is overwhelmed by anguish and guilt. In a profound moment of despair, he blinds himself, symbolizing his inability to face the reality of his actions and the consequences of his previous ignorance. This act of self-blinding is significant; it's not just a physical manifestation of his suffering but also represents his desire to escape the painful truths he can no longer bear to witness. By inflicting this punishment upon himself, Oedipus believes he is taking responsibility for the tragic events that have unfolded, emphasizing the themes of knowledge, sight, and blindness that are central to the play. The anguish drives him to such a drastic measure, showcasing his deep sense of guilt and the dramatic irony of his earlier attempts to seek out the truth as a means of saving Thebes from its plague.