When the people were gathered before the altar, Oedipus declared this: "Let everyone listen to him, it is for them that I suffer, more than for myself." (Sophocles, 1208) By saying this, Oedipus demonstrated to the people of Thebes that he truly cared for them and respected them enough to suffer for them more than he himself suffered. Once he learned from Apollo that he had to find Laios' murder, he immediately began the quest to save the kingdom. No need for him to know the suffering and torment that would come with the truth. Not only was Oedipus seen as a trustworthy and respectful king, but he was also loyal to Thebes. When the search to discover the murder of Laios began, Oedipus said to the kingdom: “I pray that the life of that man will be consumed in evil and misery. And as far as I'm concerned, this curse still applies." (Sophocles, 1212) The king who applies this curse to himself says that it is true and he will remain faithful to Thebes even if he himself is the wicked one. Since Oedipus is accused of the murder, he does not believe it is true and accuses others. When the truth is revealed that Oedipus is the murder of Laios who is actually his father, he stabbed his eyes with the brooch of the queen who was his wife, mother and mother of his children. He is unhappy at the thought of having killed his most distant ones, but is true to his word in suffering as he says: “Hide me somewhere far from Thebes; or kill me; or throw me into the sea, away from the eyes of men forever.” (Sophocles,