King Midas was the wealthy ruler of Phrygia, a region in ancient Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). He was known for his love of gold and great wealth, which he amassed through his shrewd business sense and control of the city's gold mines. Midas was a proud man who saw his wealth as a symbol of his power and importance.
One day, as Midas was walking through the countryside, he came across a drunken follower of the god Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and theater. The man had been abandoned by his companions, and Midas took pity on him and brought him back to his palace. Dionysus, pleased with Midas's kindness, offered to grant him any wish he desired as a reward.
At first, Midas was overjoyed with his new power. He touched a twig and watched as it turned to gold in his hand. He ran through his gardens, touching flowers and fruit, turning them into glittering golden objects. He even touched his own food and drink, relishing the sensation of biting into a golden apple or drinking from a golden goblet.
However, it wasn't long before Midas realized the terrible consequences of his wish. He tried to eat some food, but it turned to gold as soon as it touched his lips. He tried to drink some water, but it too turned to gold and he was unable to quench his thirst. Even his beloved daughter, who came to embrace him, turned to gold in his arms.
Midas was horrified by the curse that had befallen him. He wandered through his palace, touching everything in his path, turning it all to gold. He realized that his greed had led him to a terrible fate, and he longed to be rid of his cursed power.
Desperate for a solution, Midas sought out Dionysus and begged him to take back his gift. The god instructed Midas to wash his hands in the river Pactolus, and as he did so, the river turned to gold. Midas was afraid that he would be turned to gold as well, but as he continued to wash his hands, the gold washed away and he was freed from his curse.
From that day forward, Midas became a changed man. He realized that his love of gold had led him down a dangerous path, and he began to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. He became a devoted follower of Dionysus, dedicating himself to god's worship and vowing to use his wealth and power for good.
The story of King Midas has become a famous cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of being careful about what you wish for. It has inspired countless works of art and literature, from Ovid's Metamorphoses to Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "The Golden Touch." Even today, the phrase "the Midas touch" is used to describe someone with an exceptional ability to make money or succeed in business, but it also carries a warning about the potential costs of such power.
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