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Iocaste

Greek mythology
Also known as: Epicaste, Jocasta

Quick Summary

In Greek mythology, Iocaste (also spelled Jocasta) was the queen of Thebes and the wife of Laius. Unbeknownst to them, their son Oedipus was fated to kill his father and marry his mother. Laius and Iocaste attempted to abandon their infant son, Oedipus, but he survived and was adopted by the king and queen of Corinth.

Later, Oedipus unknowingly killed Laius in a dispute and, upon arriving in Thebes, solved the Sphinx's riddle. As a reward, he became king and married Iocaste. When the truth of their incestuous relationship was revealed, Iocaste hanged herself, and Oedipus blinded himself.123

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