A King's Golden Obsession
Long ago, in the ancient kingdom of Phrygia, lived King Midas. He was a wealthy man. His palace was grand. His treasury overflowed with precious jewels and metals.
But Midas had a secret. He loved gold more than anything else. He loved it more than his family. More than his people. Even more than his own life.
Every morning, he would count his piles of gold coins. Every evening, he would dream of even larger mountains of gold. His obsession grew bigger each day.
The God's Generosity
One day, a peculiar event unfolded in Midas's rose gardens. Silenus, the elderly, drunken tutor of the god Dionysus, stumbled in. He was lost and passed out among the flowers.
Midas's servants found Silenus. Instead of being angry, Midas showed great hospitality. He welcomed the old man into his palace. He fed him and entertained him for ten days and ten nights.
When Dionysus finally arrived to reclaim his tutor, he was grateful. 'Midas,' he boomed, 'you have treated my friend with great kindness. Ask anything you wish, and it shall be yours.'
Midas's eyes gleamed. He didn't hesitate. 'I wish,' he declared, 'that everything I touch should turn into pure gold!'
A Golden Blessing Becomes a Burden
Dionysus sighed. 'You have made a foolish wish, Midas. But your wish is granted.' With a nod, the god departed, leaving Midas alone with his new power.
Midas felt a strange tingle in his fingertips. He touched a rose. Instantly, its petals turned into solid, shining gold. He touched a stone, and it became a heavy nugget. He touched a branch, and it transformed into a golden stick.
He laughed with joy. This was amazing! He ran through his palace, touching chairs, tables, and walls. Everything turned to gold. His dreams had come true!
But then, hunger struck. Midas reached for a cluster of grapes. The moment his fingers closed, the grapes hardened into golden pellets. He tried to bite an apple, and it became a golden statue in his hand. Thirsty, he raised a cup of wine, but it turned to liquid gold before it reached his lips.
Panic started to set in. He couldn't eat. He couldn't drink. His great gift was starving him.