Final answer:
The Herdsman received baby Oedipus from Laius' servant and then gave the child to Merope, leading to the fulfillment of the prophecy.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Herdsman in the Greek tragedy of Oedipus, it was Laius' own servant who handed over Oedipus as a baby to him. The Herdsman then gave the child to Merope, the wife of Polybus of Corinth, who raised Oedipus as their own. This revelation is a pivotal moment in the play as it confirms the prophecy that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother, leading to the tragic downfall of Oedipus. The Herdsman was originally ordered by Laius and Jocasta to dispose of the child to avoid the prophecy, yet he could not bring himself to leave the child to die and instead passed him on.