According to Greek myth, the story of King Midas begins with an act of kindness. His peasants found Silenus, a satyr and the foster-father of the god Dionysus, drunk and bound in his kingdom of Phrygia. Midas recognized the important guest and hosted him for a celebration that lasted ten days and ten nights before returning him to Dionysus. Grateful, the god granted Midas a single wish. The king, blinded by greed, asked that everything he touched turn to gold. To test his new power, he reached out and transformed an oak twig, then a stone, and finally a clod of earth into solid precious metal. He was overjoyed, not yet realizing the true nature of his gift.
King Midas
The myths of King Midas tell of a golden touch and donkey ears, but historical records reveal a real king who ruled Phrygia in the 8th century BCE.
Chapter 1
The Golden Wish
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was King Midas granted the golden touch?
Midas was granted a wish by the god Dionysus for showing great hospitality to the god's foster-father, Silenus, whom Midas's peasants had found intoxicated. Midas foolishly wished that everything he touched would turn to gold.
What is the story of Midas's donkey ears?
When the mountain god Tmolus judged a music contest between Pan and Apollo, Midas foolishly disagreed with the verdict in favor of Apollo. As punishment for his poor judgment, Apollo transformed Midas’s ears into those of a donkey to reflect his 'dull' hearing.
Was King Midas a real person?
Yes, historians believe the myths were based on a real king of Phrygia. Assyrian records from the 8th century BCE mention a formidable rival named Mita of Mushki, who is now identified as the historical King Midas.
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