Oedipus's errors in judgment eventually contribute to his resulting fate. Due to fate, these errors were unavoidable. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot escape the destiny planned for him by the gods. The downfall of Oedipus is brought about through the fact that although his fate was prophesized to him, he is too stubborn to accept the reality of his actions. .
Oedipus is known for his compassion, sense of justice, and his swiftness of thought and action. His quickness to react without thinking serves as both strength yet also a weakness to him. Upon hearing how the city can be relieved of the plague, Oedipus immediately hatches plans to solve the mystery of Laius's murder, which will lead to his own demise. Oedipus eagerly attempts to uncover the truth, acting thoughtfully and carefully, refusing to shield himself from the truth. Although the audience is able to see him as a mere puppet of fate, at some points, it seems almost as if Oedipus brings the catastrophe upon himself willingly. .
Although the Parados calls upon the gods to save Thebes from the plague, the answer to their prayer arrives in human form, as Oedipus. Immediately following the ode, Oedipus enters and says that he will answer the Chorus's prayers. For a moment, Oedipus takes the role of a god upon himself. Oedipus is so confident in his abilities that he comes close to dismissing the gods, although he doesn't actually come out and say it, at this point, the audience can see Oedipus's hubris, which explains his determined blindness, to a certain extent, justifying his downfall.