Greek mythology · deity · wine, ecstasy, theater, rebirth
Twice-born god of wine, snatched from his dying mother Semele and carried to term in Zeus's thigh. His ecstatic cult dissolved the boundaries of self, sex, and city, and from his festivals Greek theater itself was born.
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.