Oedipus ' death as a child is planned by his parents , Laius and Jocasta , to stop him fulfilling a prophecy . A servant passes the infant on to a childless couple , who adopt him not knowing his history . Oedipus ' infanticide is planned by his parents , Laius and Jocasta , to avert him fulfilling a prophecy ; in truth , the servant entrusted with the infanticide passes the infant on through a series of intermediaries to a childless couple , who adopt him not knowing his history .