"Oedipus and Theseus" by Taha Hussein

Between Taha Hussein and Myth

Dr. Taha Hussein, the Dean of Arabic Literature, deeply believed that literature serves a cultural and civilizational function, no less important than its aesthetic role. In his book "Oedipus and Theseus: Heroes of Greek Mythology", Taha Hussein does not merely present mythical tales from Greek heritage; rather, he retells them with a civilizational consciousness, urging the Arab reader to contemplate human heritage, along with the tragedies, ethics, and existential questions raised by ancient civilizations—questions that remain relevant to our contemporary lives.

The book forms part of Taha Hussein’s enlightenment project. While primarily directed at young readers, it carries between its lines educational, intellectual, and humanistic insights suited for all ages, extending to address the Arab mind in its quest for meaning across past and present.

First: The Book’s Content — Oedipus and Theseus as Archetypal Symbols
Oedipus: Humanity Confronting Fate
The story of Oedipus recounts a tragic prophecy that haunts its hero from birth: it was foretold that he would kill his father and marry his mother. In an attempt to evade this fate, a decision is made to abandon the child. Yet, paradoxically, the very efforts to escape destiny lead to its complete fulfillment.

Oedipus kills his father unknowingly and marries his mother unaware. When he discovers the truth, he gouges out his own eyes as punishment for a crime committed without conscious intent.

Through this story, Taha Hussein portrays the tragedy of humanity caught in a struggle between freedom and fate, between reason and destiny. He presents Oedipus as a model of tragic heroism—one rooted not in physical strength, but in the moral courage to acknowledge error and confront oneself.

Theseus: The Hero Who Conquers Monsters and Founds Cities
In the story of Theseus, we encounter a hero distinct in character and destiny. Theseus, son of King Aegeus, grows up distant from his father, then returns to Athens after a series of adventures showcasing his bravery.

His most crucial adventure is his battle with the Minotaur—the mythical beast dwelling in the Cretan Labyrinth that devoured Athenian youths. But Theseus does not merely fight monsters; he confronts corrupt political systems and contributes to laying new foundations for the state.

Taha Hussein presents him as a civic-political hero, embodying collective will and the ability to transform myth into a social and organizational project.

Second: Taha Hussein’s Intellectual Vision
1. Myth as a Mirror of Human Consciousness
Taha Hussein does not present myth as a mere folktale or legend, but as a symbolic text containing reflections on existence, fate, and power. Through Oedipus, he poses the question: Are we free, or bound by an unknowable will? Through Theseus, he depicts the evolution of the city and politics from chaos to order, and from tyranny to participation.

2. The Pedagogical Function of Literature
Though aimed at young readers, Taha Hussein presents the book in accessible language that does not oversimplify meanings. He believed that introducing new generations to human heritage—with its good and evil, injustice and justice—helps form a solid human and moral conscience.

3. Implicit Civilizational Comparison
Taha Hussein does not explicitly compare Greek myth with Arab heritage, but he hints in multiple places at the importance of viewing the Greek mythical mind as a wellspring for philosophical and dramatic inquiry. Retelling these tales seems an implicit invitation to the Arab mind to reconsider its own legacy and seek a similar foundational moment.

Third: The Book’s Artistic Structure
1. Narrative Language
Taha Hussein uses Arabic that is both eloquent and accessible. He avoids complex jargon and emphasizes drama, tragedy, and suspense. The narrative features poetic touches and includes pauses for reflection and questioning.

2. Dramatic Construction
The book is built on solid dramatic foundations, especially evident in the Oedipus story, where tension escalates gradually until peaking at the moment of truth’s discovery. Theseus, meanwhile, is presented as a series of adventures that shape the hero’s character and build his heroic trajectory.

3. Dialogue and Internal Monologue
In some passages, Taha Hussein incorporates internal dialogue or voices the protagonists’ questions in their own words, adding psychological and human depth to the narrative.

Fourth: Philosophical and Humanistic Themes in the Book
Fate and Freedom
Oedipus’s story reflects human fragility before forces beyond our control. Yet at the moment he chooses to blind himself, we see him transform from victim to agent, reclaiming full moral responsibility.

Courage in Confronting Oneself
Taha Hussein highlights Oedipus as an internal revolution, not merely a victim. The hero does not flee; he chooses to bear responsibility for his actions—even unconscious ones—a moment of sublime human elevation.

Political and Social Justice
In Theseus’s story, the author focuses on the necessity of transitioning from chaos to order, tyranny to justice. He argues that the true hero is not merely a monster-slayer, but one who founds the city, justice, and citizenship.

Fifth: The Book’s Impact on the Arab Reader

Gaining a simplified yet profound understanding of human heritage.
Developing moral and intellectual sensibility through stories rich in human challenges and conflicts.
Restoring myth’s status as an educational and cultural tool, moving beyond neglect or confinement to popular imagination.

Sixth: From Myth to Renaissance
"Oedipus and Theseus" is not merely a retelling of two myths; it is a complete pedagogical and intellectual project. Through it, Taha Hussein sought to teach the Arab reader how to question their destiny and realize that true heroism lies not in strength, but in awareness and responsibility.

In Oedipus, we read our existential tragedy. In Theseus, we see our dreams of change and justice. Both remain with us—not only in history books, but in our anxieties, questions, and dreams.

Thus, Taha Hussein guides us from the land of myth to the world of humanity: marked by fear, hope, and an eternal pursuit of truth.