Oedipus Coloneus is one of the three Theban plays of Sophocles. It was written shortly before his death in 406 BC and produced by his grandson at the City Dionysia in 401 BC. In terms of the play's internal chronology, it follows Oedipus Rex and precedes Antigone.

The play describes the end of Oedipus' tragic life. Blind and exiled from Thebes, Oedipus arrives at Colonus, a village near Athens. He is accompanied by his daughters, Antigone and Ismene. The oracle has prophesied that Oedipus will die in Colonus and become a protector of the land. Despite initial rejection by the locals, Oedipus finds sanctuary and the protection of Theseus, the king of Athens.

Conflicts arise as Creon attempts to manipulate Oedipus to return to Thebes, and Polynices seeks his father's support in his war against Eteocles for the throne. Oedipus, however, curses both his sons. The play culminates with Oedipus' mysterious death, where he is called away by the gods, leaving only Theseus to know the place of his burial, ensuring Athens' continued protection. Oedipus Coloneus is a powerful exploration of fate, suffering, and redemption, marking the poignant conclusion to Oedipus' story.

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