Midas: The Mythical King with the Golden Touch

Q: What can Midas do?

King Midas can turn anything he touches into pure gold.

Q: What happened to King Midas?

King Midas received the gift of turning anything into gold that he touched from the god Dionysos. Unable to eat or drink, Midas begged to have his skill reversed which was granted. Midas then offended Apollo who turned the king's ears into those of a donkey.

Q: What is the meaning of the Midas story?

The story of king Midas may reflect the rich gold deposits found in the rivers of Phrygia in Asia Minor.

Mark Cartwright

Midas

The Mythical King with the Golden Touch

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Definition

Midas was a mythical king of Phrygia in Asia Minor who was famous for his extraordinary ability to change anything he touched into gold. This gift was given to him by Dionysos in thanks for his hospitality to the wise satyr Silenus. Midas also judged Pan a greater musician than Apollo and so was given ass’s ears as a punishment.

More about: Midas

Timeline

738 BCE - c. 696 BCE
Reign of King Mita of the Mushki (possibly the real King Midas).
709 BCE
Mita of the Mushki (possibly King Midas) allies with King Sargon II of Assyria.

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