Throughout Greek literature, the blind prophet Tiresias makes several appearances. In Sophocles' plays Oedipus the King and Antigone, Tiresias tries in vain to warn the kings of Thebes of their wrongdoing. In Antigone, Creon, king of Thebes, refuses to reason with Tiresias after sentencing his niece Antigone to death for burying his brother. Throughout the text Tiresias and the chorus help Creon see the mistakes he has made, but he is blinded by his stubbornness. When Tiresias arrives in Thebes to speak with Creon, it initially appears that Creon will obey the advice the prophet has to offer. This can be seen through their exchange where Tiresias says, “I will teach you. And obey the seer. (1094) to which Creon replies, "I will, / I never wavered from your counsel before." (1095-96) it is clear from this dialogue that Creon appreciates Tiresias' opinion. It is also ironic because Creon later refuses to heed the advice given to him by the prophet. In other Greek literature, such as Sophocles' Oedipus the King, the title character also chooses not to believe the blind prophet and, in turn, blinds himself and exiles himself. Considering that Creon was present at the events of Oedipus the King, it seems rather obvious that he should have followed the prophet's advice. What is truly ironic in both Antigone and Oedipus the King, is that the blind prophet Tiresias is the only character in both works who can actually see what is really happening. Tiresias tries to explain to Creon that he is the cause of the problems in Thebes. Tiresias reveals that through Creon's willful actions he is causing a plague on Thebes: “And it is you, your high determination that sets this plague on Thebes. Public altars and sacred hearths are dirty,... half the paper. ..... After hearing the fate of his wife, Creon laments his guilt: “And the blame is all mine, it can never be placed on another man, there is no escape for me. I killed you, God help me, I admit it all! (1442-1445). Creon then prays for death, but it is denied and he is forced to continue living as punishment for his pride and wrong actions. It is clear that throughout the play Creon has had many opportunities to see his actions wrong. Tiresias not only tells Creon that he is making a mistake but warns him of the consequences. Creon chooses to insult Tiresias and ignore his advice until he is persuaded by others to follow him. However, Creon's hesitation and pride cause him to lose everything. Works Cited Sophocles. Antigone. The three Theban comedies: Antigone, Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin, 1984