Oedipus the King Notes | Chorus 1

The elders of Thebes ominously chant a prayer to the gods. This is aimed at Thebes' recovery. They call upon many gods, mainly Apollo, whom they beg to save Thebes from death. Apollo saved Thebes once when it was deteriorating from the riddle, and they ask him to save it again. They speak of the many sicknesses of the city, such as infertile soil and stillborn children. Countless deaths destroy the city, as children and young wives live in sorrow. They also pray to Ares, the Slaughter-god of War, to save them from this burning plague.