Oedipus, a tragic hero of Greek mythology, was famously known for unknowingly killing his father and marrying his mother. However, before this tragic chain of events occurred, Oedipus was actually adopted by his parents, King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth.
Oedipus was born to the royal family of Thebes, but his parents, King Laius and Queen Jocasta, were told by an oracle that their son would grow up to kill his father and marry his mother. In an attempt to prevent this prophecy from coming true, they ordered their newborn son to be abandoned on a mountain.
However, Oedipus was rescued and eventually found by a shepherd, who took him to Corinth and gave him to King Polybus and Queen Merope, who had been unable to have children of their own. The couple raised Oedipus as their own son and he grew up believing that they were his biological parents.
Oedipus's adoptive parents loved him and provided him with a good education and all the privileges of a royal upbringing. Oedipus grew up to be a brave and intelligent young man, and he eventually left Corinth to seek his fortune elsewhere.
As Oedipus's journey took him to Thebes, he encountered an older man who refused to let him pass on the road. Oedipus, in a fit of anger, killed the man, not realizing that he was actually his biological father, King Laius. Oedipus then went on to solve the riddle of the Sphinx, which was terrorizing the city of Thebes, and was rewarded with the hand of the queen, Jocasta, who was actually his biological mother.
It was only later, when the truth about his parentage was revealed, that Oedipus realized the terrible fate that had befallen him. The revelation of his true identity led to a series of tragic events, including the suicide of his mother and the blinding of Oedipus himself.
In conclusion, Oedipus's adoptive parents, King Polybus and Queen Merope, played a significant role in his life and upbringing. They loved and cared for him as their own son and provided him with all the privileges of a royal upbringing. However, it was ultimately fate that led to the tragic events of Oedipus's life and the fulfillment of the prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother.