2442. Enigmas are compositions of a different character, based upon ideal rather than upon words, and frequently constructed so as to mislead, and to surprise when the solution is made known. Enigmas may be founded upon simple catches, like Conundrums, in which form they are usually called Riddles, such as -

"Though you set me on foot, I shall be on my head," The answer is, A nail in a shoe. The celebrated Enigma, by Lord Byron, (see 279, page 92), is an admirable specimen of what may he rendered through the form of an Enigma.

Ancient Enigma. The ancients fabled a monster whom they named the Sphinx, and whom they described as having the head and breasts of a woman, the body of a dog, the tail of a serpent, the wings of a bird, the paws of a lion, and a human voice. This monster, it was said, was sent into the neighbourhood of Thebes by Juno, who wished to punish the family of Cadmus. It was further stated, that he laid this part of Boeotia under continual alarms, by proposing Enigmas, and devouring the inhabitants if unable to explain them. Also, that as the calamity of this monster was become an object of public concern, and as the successful explanation of an enigma would end in the death of the Sphinx, Creon promised his crown and Jocasta to him who succeeded in the attempt. The enigma proposed was this:-

"What animal in the morning walks on four feet, at noon on two, and in the evening on three ?"

Cedipus solved the enigma - on which the monster dashed his head against a rock, and perished.

Answer, Man: in the morning, or days of infancy, he crawls, or walks on "all-fours; at noon, or in the days of youth and middle age, he uses two feet only; in the evening, or in his old age, he requires the support of a staff, so that he may be said to walk upon three feet.