Who does Tiresias ultimately accuse of being the murderer?

Tiresias ultimately accuses Oedipus of being the murderer, which highlights a central theme of the play: the struggle between fate and free will. Tiresias, the blind prophet, symbolizes insight and truth, despite his physical blindness. His revelations often challenge the self-perception and confidence of those around him.

In the context of the play, Tiresias initially hesitates to reveal the identity of the murderer, indicating the gravity of the truth he holds. When he eventually names Oedipus, it serves to underscore the irony of Oedipus's situation—he is unwittingly seeking the truth about himself, while he has already fulfilled the prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. This accusation catalyzes Oedipus's journey of self-discovery, leading him to confront the grim reality of his actions and his own identity.

Therefore, Tiresias's accusation is pivotal not only for the plot but also for the development and exploration of themes such as knowledge, ignorance, and the inescapability of fate, which are central to Oedipus Rex.