What revelation prompts Oedipus to blind himself?

The revelation that prompts Oedipus to blind himself is the realization of his true parentage and actions. Throughout the play, Oedipus is determined to uncover the truth behind the plague afflicting Thebes. As he investigates, he learns horrifying truths about his identity—that he has unwittingly killed his father, King Laius, and married his mother, Jocasta. This discovery engulfs him in an overwhelming sense of guilt and horror.

Blinding himself serves as a metaphor for his desire to escape the painful truth and the consequences of his actions, which he can no longer bear to witness. This act symbolizes his remorse and the depth of his despair; he cannot face the world or the reality of what he has done. Oedipus believes that living with this knowledge is unbearable, and by blinding himself, he attempts to atone for his sins and escape the relentless truth of his existence. This moment marks a critical turning point in the narrative and emphasizes the themes of fate, self-discovery, and the tragic consequences of human actions in the play.