Midass

Midass is a character from Greek mythology. He was the king of Phrygia, a region in ancient Anatolia. His most famous story is that of his wish granted by the god Dionysus. Midass, known for his greed, asked that everything he touched turn to gold. Initially delighted with his newfound power, he soon realized the terrible consequences. He could not eat or drink, as food and water also turned to gold upon his touch. In despair, he begged Dionysus to take back the gift. The god, taking pity on him, instructed Midass to wash himself in the river Pactolus. This act removed the golden touch and deposited the gold into the river's sands, which is said to be the origin of the river's wealth.

Another prominent myth associated with Midass involves his judgment in a musical contest. The god Apollo and the satyr Marsyas competed to see who was the better musician. Midass was chosen as one of the judges. Marsyas played his pipes with great skill, but Apollo, playing his lyre, was deemed superior. Midass, however, inexplicably declared Marsyas the winner. Angered by this perceived injustice and poor judgment, Apollo punished Midass by giving him the ears of a donkey. Midass was deeply ashamed of his new appearance and tried to hide his long ears, often wearing a Phrygian cap. Only his barber knew his secret, and driven to madness by the burden of keeping it, the barber dug a hole in the ground and whispered the secret into it before covering it up. It is said that reeds grew from the hole and rustled in the wind, whispering Midass's secret for all to hear. These stories highlight Midass as a figure often associated with folly, greed, and divine punishment.