Once upon a time the ancient city of Thebes was guarded by a strange creature known as the Sphinx. It had a woman's head, a lion's body and an eagle's wing.
The Sphinx used to lie in wait at the city gates. Any stranger who wanted to go into the city had to first answer a riddle which the Sphinx asked. if the answer was right, he would be allowed into the city. But if the person gave a wrong answer, the Sphinx immediately would pounce on the unwary person and would make a meal of him. The riddle it asked was the same everytime.
Once a young lad named Oedipus had to go to Thebes. People warned him and said it would be dangerous as the Sphinx would eat him up. But he was determined and set off at once. As he came near the city the Sphinx accosted him.
"Young man, before you enter the city answer this riddle of mine". said the Sphinx. Which creature has four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon and three in the evening? Tell me soon". asked the Sphinx.
"That is quite easy", answered Oedipus. "Obviously it is man. In his childhood he crawls on all fours, walks proudly on two legs in his prime and in his old age takes the support of a stick".
The Sphinx was pleased with his answer and let him go.
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