Final Answer:
The wife of Oedipus, who was the widow of Thebes' former king, Laius, and married Oedipus when he saved the city from the Sphinx, is Jocasta.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jocasta, the wife of Oedipus, plays a pivotal role in the tragic narrative of Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex." The name Jocasta is derived from Greek mythology, and she is recognized as the Queen of Thebes. After Oedipus successfully solves the Sphinx's riddle, saving the city from the creature's terror, he is hailed as a hero and, in gratitude, is granted marriage to Jocasta. This union, however, unknowingly fulfills a prophecy that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother, leading to the tragic events that unfold in the play.
In the context of the narrative, Jocasta's marriage to Oedipus is shrouded in irony and tragedy. Unaware of the prophecy and the true identity of Oedipus, Jocasta becomes entangled in a tragic fate. The unfolding events reveal the tragic truth, and the revelation of Oedipus's relationship to Jocasta contributes to the dramatic climax of the play. Jocasta's character serves as a symbol of the inevitable and inescapable nature of fate, highlighting the tragic consequences of attempting to defy or alter predetermined destinies in Greek mythology.