The story of Oedipus in Greek tales highlights the tension between fate and free will. Oedipus' tragic journey illustrates how attempts to escape one’s prophesied destiny lead to inevitable outcomes. Despite his efforts to avoid fulfilling the oracle's predictions, his actions inadvertently steer him toward the very fate he seeks to escape. This tragedy underscores the theme that fate may be unavoidable, illustrating the limitations of human agency in the face of divine prophecy.