The Midas Touch

King Midas ruled a wealthy kingdom, yet no amount of gold ever seemed to satisfy him. His greed only grew stronger with time.

One day, Midas helped an old satyr who had wandered into his garden, treating him kindly for several days before sending him home.

As a reward, the god Dionysus offered to grant Midas any single wish he desired. Without hesitating, Midas asked for the power to turn anything he touched into gold.

The wish was granted. Overjoyed, Midas ran through his palace touching everything in sight: a chair became solid gold, and a rose turned into a golden flower in his hand.

At first, it felt like a wonderful blessing. But when he sat down for a great banquet, the food and wine turned into gold the moment they touched his lips. He could no longer eat or drink.

Then his young daughter ran to hug him, worried about his strange behavior. The moment he embraced her, she turned into a cold, golden statue.

Horrified and full of regret, Midas begged Dionysus to take back the gift that had become a terrible curse. He realized that his greed had cost him everything he truly loved.

Dionysus took pity on him and told him to wash in the river Pactolus. The golden touch disappeared, and his daughter returned to life. From then on, Midas valued love and family far more than wealth.