At the beginning of Oedipus Rex, the people have been hit with a plague that affects their plants (fruit blossoms), their livestock (grazing cattle), and their families ("women in labour lose their children"). In the ancient world, this is a significant problem. Before the Agricultural Revolution, many cultures were one crop cycle away from starvation. Because of this, reproduction (crops, livestock, and children) was foremost on one's mind in the ancient world.
In addition, many ancient civilizations believed that drought or famine was proof that the gods were angry with them, and therefore it was up to the priests to appease the gods so the land, livestock, and people would once again be fertile.
So far, sacrificing to the gods has not worked. The people come to Oedipus as their king, not because they believe he can take away the curse, but as an intermediary, a "first of men."
Bringing the problem to Oedipus sets up the fatal flaw (hamartia). Oedipus will pursue the truth to find out the cause of the plague, little knowing that he is the root cause (he has killed his father the king, and married his mother).
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