 The two begin to quarrel over whose chariot has the right of way.While the old man moves to strike the insolent youth with his scepter, Oedipus throws the man down from his chariot, killing him.Thus, the prophecy in which Oedipus slays his own father is fulfilled, as the old man—as Oedipus discovers later—was Laius, king of Thebes and true father to Oedipus.