Answer:
In Greek mythology, Oedipus is a tragic hero who was prophesied to kill his father and marry his mother. When he was born, his parents, King Laius and Queen Jocasta of Thebes, were told of the prophecy and abandoned him on a hillside with his feet pierced and tied together. A shepherd found him and gave him to the childless King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth, who raised him as their own.
The affliction that Oedipus carries with him from the cradle is his fate. He is destined to fulfill the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, despite his efforts to avoid it. This fate confirms him as a baby left on the hillside because it is seen as punishment for his biological parents' attempt to cheat fate by abandoning him. Oedipus' unknowing actions and attempts to uncover the truth of his past lead him to fulfill the prophecy, bringing about his downfall and tragic end.