King Midas ruled the land of Phrygia. He was a powerful king, rich in land and cattle, yet he loved gold more than all other things. The sight of it pleased him, the weight of it comforted him, and the thought of having more never left his mind.

One day, Midas found an old satyr named Silenus wandering drunkenly in his gardens. Silenus was a companion and teacher of Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. Instead of punishing or mocking the old creature, Midas treated him kindly. He welcomed him into his palace, fed him, entertained him, and cared for him for many days.

When Silenus had recovered, Midas returned him safely to Dionysus.

Dionysus was pleased by the king’s kindness and said to him, “Ask of me any gift you desire, and it shall be yours.”

Midas did not hesitate. He said, “Grant me this wish: that whatever I touch may turn to gold.”

Dionysus frowned, for he knew the danger of such a wish. Still, he had given his word, and he granted it.

At first, Midas was filled with joy. He touched a branch, and it became gold. He touched a stone, and it became gold. He laughed and praised his good fortune, believing himself the happiest of men.

He returned to his palace and ordered a feast. But when he reached for bread, it turned to gold in his hands. The wine he poured became liquid gold before he could drink it. His food was untouchable, his drink impossible.

Then his daughter came running to him. When he reached out to embrace her, she too turned to gold, frozen and lifeless.

At that moment, Midas understood his mistake.

His gift was not a blessing, but a curse. Surrounded by wealth, he faced hunger, thirst, and unbearable loss. He begged Dionysus to take back the gift, promising he no longer desired gold above all else.

Dionysus heard his plea and took pity on him.

He said, “Go to the river Pactolus. Wash yourself in its waters, and the power shall leave you.”

Midas did as he was told. As he bathed in the river, the golden power flowed from him into the water. From that day on, the sands of the Pactolus were said to carry flecks of gold.

Freed from the curse, Midas returned home humbled. He no longer prized gold above wisdom or love. He learned that wealth without measure brings ruin, and that desire, when unchecked, can destroy what it seeks to secure.

And so the story of King Midas became a warning passed down through generations:
that not all gifts are blessings, and that greed blinds even kings.