King Midas Should Have Been Careful With His Wishes

Written by Greek Boston in Greek Mythology

Ever hear the phrase, “Be careful what you wish for, it might just come true”? The poster child for this phrase could be King Midas, the King of Phrygia.

King Midas was powerful but he wasn’t as rich as he would have liked to be which made him unhappy. He believed that more money would bring him more happiness.

One day, he was presented with an unexpected opportunity that would change his life. Silenus, a satyr (half man, half goat) was found wandering in Midas’ rose garden. Midas recognized him as the god Dionysus’ tutor so he took care of Silenus and took him back home into the woods to Dionysus. Dionysus wanted to thank Midas for his kindness in returning Silenus and granted him one wish.

Midas didn’t even have to think about what his wish would be. “I wish that everything I touch turns to gold!”

Dionysus expressed hesitation in granting this wish. He was obviously aware of the troubles that it could cause, so he asked Midas if he was sure. Of course Midas was sure! So, Dionysus granted the wish.

Midas headed home and on his walk began testing out his newfound powers. He picked up twigs, stones, leaves, flowers, acorns, and other debris that he found on his path. Everything turned to gold! He was beyond ecstatic that he now had the golden touch and would be the richest man in the world.

He couldn’t wait to share this news with everyone. Once he got back to his palace he decided to throw a huge party to celebrate. He wanted to have the best food to serve to everyone, after all- he could now afford anything that he could ever want! He asked his servants to provide the best meats, fruits, breads, pies, and more. His servants set up long tables filled with the most delicious looking food you could ever imagine. King Midas couldn’t wait to get his hands on it and enjoy the feast. He reached for a piece of meat and it suddenly turned to gold! The same thing happened when he tried to eat the soup and bread. He even broke a tooth by biting into the gold. Clearly this was something that Kind Midas didn’t think of when he made his wish!

Midas’ young daughter ran over to comfort him since he was so upset and gave him a big hug. She suddenly turned into a gold statue! This was enough to make Midas realize how foolish his wish was.

Midas set out on a journey back to find Dionysus and to ask that he be freed of his wish. Dionysus obliged and told Midas that he needed to go to the River Pactolus to wash away all of the gold on his entire body. The river began to sparkle.

When he left the water his power was gone and his daughter had come back to life. Midas realized that he was truly happy before with what he already had.

Categorized in: Greek Mythology

This post was written by Greek Boston