To what extent is Oedipus responsible for his own actions?

Oedipus is responsible for his own actions of committing parrincest and for killing Laius, which led to his own downfall from being King of Thebes. This downfall is due to his rashness, over-curiosity, and his disrespect for the god’s predictions. However, he is not fully responsible for his actions, as there are other factors accountable for his downfall that he had no control over. The all-knowing gods had predicted his patricide and incest long before he committed them, and it was his parents’ actions which resulted in him not knowing who his true parents are and hence in him committing those sins unknowingly.

In “Oedipus the King”, Oedipus’ rashness evidently plays a part in bringing about his downfall, as Teriesias only reviews the truth when Oedipus rashly insults him and accuses him of plotting with Creon. Teriesias knew that Oedipus’ fall from stature would result if he reveals the truth, and hence is reluctant to tell it. However, Oedipus quickly mistakes T...