What is an 'oracle'?

An oracle refers specifically to a shrine consecrated to a prophetic deity. In ancient Greek culture, oracles served as sacred sites where individuals would seek the guidance or predictions of the gods, often through a priest or priestess who acted as an intermediary. The famous Oracle of Delphi, for example, was dedicated to Apollo and was considered the most important oracle in the Greek world, where people would come from afar to ask questions about their future or seek advice on important decisions.

This understanding is crucial when analyzing the themes of fate and prophecy in "Oedipus Rex," as the actions and decisions taken by the characters are profoundly influenced by the prophecies received from the oracle. The existence and significance of the oracle demonstrate the interplay between divine will and human action, which is a central motif in Sophocles' works.