Midas is the protagonist of one of the best known myths of antiquity. It is a tale that has been evoked by countless writers and artists, however the
Roman poet Ovid was the one who gave full shape to Midas in his play
Metamorphoses. In the play, Ovid tells the story of Midas, king of Phrygia, son of
Gordius and
Cybele..According to one version of the legend, after the death of
Orpheus,
Dionysus left
Thrace. His old teacher
Silenus, drunk as usual, accompanied Dionysus but got lost along the way and was picked up by Phrygian farmers, who led him to Midas. The king, who had been initiated into the cult of Dionysus was surprised and immediately recognized the old man, following which he held a ten-course banquet in Silenus’ honor.
He then returned him to Dionysus. Happy to have his old teacher back at his side, the god wanted to thank the gesture and gave Midas a wish. Midas asked that everything he touched would turn into gold. The wish was fulfilled and, although at first it was delightful to turn roses, apples, etc. into gold, very soon King Midas was surrounded by such luxury and brightness that he had nothing to eat – whatever touched his lips turned into the precious metal. Even the wine, a gift of Dionysus, became liquid gold as he tried to quench his thirst.
Realizing that he was doomed to die of hunger and thirst, Midas begged Dionysus to free him from his golden touch. Dionysus ordered him to wash his hands in the Pactolus River - located in today's Turkey - where, since then, gold has always been present.
