The infinitive μειχθῆναι communicates the core idea of the myth according to which Oidipous has intercourse with his mother, and the audience will infer from Oidipous’s characterization “awful, wretched things” that that is how he took this word, which should be a direct quote of what the god said to him at Delphi. Aware, however, that Oidipous has taken issue with the god’s response, the audience may appraise that response for itself. The word is in fact wide open to interpretation. Its etymology pertains to the mixing of fluids, from which follow usage meaning “mingle,” “join together,” and “make acquainted.” In the passive voice, as here, it can mean “to live with,” “to be brought into contact with,” and finally, as an extension of all these meanings, to serve as a euphemism for sexual intercourse. In answer to the presumed question, “Who is my mother?” the Oracle may be understood to have answered: “You must be brought into contact with her.” If Oidipous fails to register this possibility, it is because he presumes that he already has contact with his mother, Merope of Corinth. This presumption contradicts, however, the presumption upon which his question is based: that he does not know his mother. His interpretation of the prophecy reveals that he in fact had no doubt about his mother’s identity; he wanted the Oracle only to confirm what he already knew. He went to Delphi not with a question, but with an agenda. Putting his own agenda handcuffs the god; it presumes that the mortal gives his own approach to problem-solving first. This attitude diminishes and so disrespects Apollo’s role in any interaction. Such disrespect frustrates the god’s efforts at communication and with it the god’s efforts to be of any service to the mortals who come to him for help; it damages the relationship between mortals and their gods, and it might reasonably be expected to anger the god. [Md] [Mpea] [Mpei] [Apc] [Mip] [Ad] [Dnp]