Fate plays a crucial role in the life of Oedipus, shaping his tragic trajectory. According to prophecy, Oedipus is destined to kill his father and marry his mother, a fate he attempts to escape but ultimately fulfills. This paradox demonstrates the inescapability of fate within Greek mythology, where characters often grapple with their intended paths. Oedipus's story highlights themes of destiny, blindness, and self-discovery, as his quest for truth leads to devastating revelations. His life embodies the tension between human free will and the predestined elements of existence, a central idea in tragic literature.