Iocaste

Iocaste, or Jocasta, is a figure in Greek mythology and literature, best known as the wife of Laius and mother of Oedipus, and as queen of Thebes. In the myth, the oracle prophesies that Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother. To prevent this, Laius and Iocaste abandon their newborn son.

The infant Oedipus is rescued and eventually grows up to become king of Thebes after solving the riddle of the Sphinx. Unaware of their true relation, Oedipus later marries Iocaste and rules Thebes as king, fulfilling the prophetic taboo in a tragic twist of fate.

After the truth about his parentage is revealed, Iocaste dies by suicide, and Oedipus blinds himself and goes into exile. The episode is central to Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus Rex (Oedipus Tyrannus) and is referenced in subsequent plays and poetry, shaping enduring interpretations of fate, guilt, and moral responsibility in ancient drama.

Names and interpretation: The name Iocaste is the Greek form; Jocasta is the Anglicized form; Epikaste is another Greek variant found in some editions. In literary analysis, Iocaste is a tragic figure whose life is shaped by fate, family bonds, and moral ambiguity, illustrating themes of prophecy, guilt, and the consequences of attempted protection.