Since Oedipus grew up in the kingdom of Corinth, he was to some extent sheltered from his prophecy. Oedipus' downfall can be attributed to many different things, but Oedipus' tragic flaws lead him down the path where he fulfilled his prophecy. Oedipus' arrogance and pride ensured that he could not get the help he needed to understand the truth. Oedipus's curiosity and desire not to find the whole truth led him down the path of ignorance that led to his departure from Corinth. The pride that Oedipus felt for having solved the riddle of the sphinx and being king of Thebes was the final nail in the coffin that led to his downfall. If Oedipus had listened to what the people who were trying to help him were saying, Oedipus could have prevented his