Greek mythology · 3 chapters

Midas and the Golden Touch

A king wishes for everything he touches to turn to gold, and immediately regrets it

King Midas of Phrygia shows hospitality to Silenus, the drunken old satyr and companion of Dionysus. As a reward, Dionysus grants Midas one wish. Midas wishes that everything he touches will turn to gold. His wish is granted immediately, and immediately becomes a curse. His food turns to gold at his lips. His wine turns to gold as he drinks. When he embraces his daughter, she turns to gold. He begs Dionysus to take the gift back. Dionysus tells him to wash in the river Pactolus. He does, and the golden touch passes into the river, which is why the Pactolus river ran with gold. In a second story, Midas judges a music contest between Pan and Apollo, preferring Pan. Apollo gives him the ears of a donkey as punishment for his terrible taste.