MYTHOSATLAS
M

Midas

Greek mythology · king · the golden touch

The Phrygian king granted his exact wish: that all he touched turn to gold. His food turned metal in his mouth, his daughter, in later telling, to a statue in his arms, until he begged to be rid of the gift and washed it into the river Pactolus.

Stories

The Golden Touch

For hosting Dionysus's lost tutor, Midas may wish for anything, and wishes that all he touches turn to gold. Bread turns metal in his mouth; the god, amused and merciful, sends him to wash the gift into the river Pactolus, whose sands glitter ever after.