In Greek literature, the blind prophet Tiresias makes several appearances. In Sophocles' plays Oedipus the King and Antigone, Teiresias tries in vain to warn the kings of Thebes of their misdeeds. In Antigone, Creon, the king of Thebes, refuses to reason with Teiresias after condemning his niece Antigone to death for burying her brother. Throughout the text, Tiresias and the Chorus help Creon see the mistakes he has made, but he is blinded by his stubbornness. When Teiresias arrives in Thebes to speak to Creon, it initially appears that Creon will obey the prophet's advice. This can be seen through their exchange where Teiresias says, “I will teach you. And you obey the seer. (1094) to which Creon responds: “I will, / I have never forsaken your advice before. » (1095-96) Through this dialogue, it is clear that Creon appreciates Tiresias' opinion. It is also ironic because Creon later refuses to heed the advice given to him by the prophet. In other Greek literature, such as Sophocles' Oedipus the King, the main character also chooses not to believe the blind prophet and, in turn, blinds himself and goes into exile. Considering that Creon was present during the events of Oedipus Rex, it seems pretty obvious that he should follow the prophet's advice. What is truly ironic about both Antigone and Oedipus the King is that the blind prophet Tiresias is the only character in both plays who can actually see what is really happening. Teiresias tries to explain to Creon that he is the cause of the problems in Thebes. Teiresias reveals that, thanks to Creon's stubborn actions, he is bringing a plague upon Thebes: "And it is you, your high resolve, who bring this plague upon Thebes. Public altars and sacred homes are defiled,...... middle of paper. ..... After hearing his wife's fate, Creon laments that he is responsible: "And all the guilt is mine – Can never be laid on another man, No escape for me." I killed you, God help me, I confess everything! (1442-1445). Creon then prays for death, but is refused and is forced to continue living as punishment for his pride and misguided actions. It is clear that throughout the play, Creon has had many opportunities to see his evil deeds. Teiresias not only tells Creon that he is making a mistake, but he warns him of the consequences. Creon chooses to insult Tiresias and ignore his advice until he is convinced by others to follow the advice. However, Creon's hesitations and pride cause him to lose everything. Works Cited Sophocles. Antigone. The three Theban plays: Antigone, Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin, 1984