MIDAS & THE GOLDEN TOUCH

There had been a phenomenal party the night before. Silenus, a Greek creature with a man’s head and a horse’s legs called a satyr, was feeling a bit wobbly. He’d had a bit too much fun at the party the previous evening. As the sun shone, Silenus began to feel very sleepy. Looking around him, he noticed a comfortable looking flowerbed nearby and settled down for a quick nap.

Meanwhile, King Midas was counting his gold when he heard a commotion. Suddenly, his guards burst into his room, dragging Silenus with them. “Sir, we found this beast lurking in your garden!” declared the first guard. “We are sure he is up to no good,” announced the second.

Midas was taken aback. He studied the sleepy looking satyr and decided to give him a chance. He recognised the beast as a friend of Dionysus, an extremely famous Greek God. Midas offered Silenus a bed and called for Dionysus to collect him.

When Dionysus arrived, he was extremely grateful. Many kings would not have taken kindly to finding a satyr asleep in their garden but Midas had been generous. As thanks, Dionysus, who was powerful and gifted with magic, offered to grant Midas a wish.

Midas didn’t hesitate, “I wish that everything I touch turns to gold!” he stated clearly. Dionysus looked puzzled. “I see many issues with this wish, Midas. Are you sure?” questioned Dionysus. “You offered me a wish, now grant it!” demanded Midas forcefully. Reluctantly, the God cast his spell and gave Midas the power that he had wished for.

Dionysus collected Silenus and made for a speedy exit. Midas, on the other hand, raced around his palace touching everything within reach. He touched a rose and it turned to solid gold. A statue was next for the golden touch. With the slightest brush of his hand, it turned to solid gold.

Midas’ daughter heard his shouts of joy and rushed to find him to discover the cause of his noise. As she entered the room, she saw many items made of gleaming gold. Her father, overcome with joy, rushed towards her to celebrate his new powers. However, as he reached out to hug her, she too turned to solid gold.

Midas was horrified. His daughter stood in the centre of the room, lifeless. She was a golden, frozen statue. There was no life behind her eyes. Midas fell to the floor, weeping. What had he done?

Soon after, Midas rushed to find Dionysus. He was heartbroken and begged the God to take away his power. Dionysus was not easily convinced, but after much conversation, he instructed Midas to bathe in the river and pour river water on to everything that he had turned to gold.

Midas washed and washed in the river, rushing home to pour water over his golden daughter. Oh, how glad he was when his beautiful daughter smiled and laughed as the water ran off her dress. He was delighted to be able to drink watery wine and eat soggy goat’s meat again. Midas vowed to never touch gold again.