In a faraway kingdom, there was a king named Midas who loved gold more than anything else in the world. His love for gold was so immense that he wished everything he touched would turn to gold.
One fine day, King Midas’ life changed forever. This extraordinary turn of events was all thanks to Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity.
Dionysus, known for his joyous and generous nature, was traveling through Midas’ kingdom when he encountered Silenus, his old mentor and friend.
Silenus had become lost and weary, but King Midas, recognizing him, offered his hospitality and treated him with kindness and respect.
For ten days and nights, Midas entertained Silenus, sharing stories and laughter, showing the utmost care and generosity.
When Dionysus arrived to retrieve his mentor, he was deeply moved by Midas’ kindness towards his beloved friend. To express his gratitude, Dionysus promised to grant King Midas one wish, anything his heart desired.
Midas, known far and wide for his love of gold, saw this as an opportunity to increase his vast wealth. Without much thought to the consequences, he wished that everything he touched would turn to gold.
Dionysus, though hesitant, granted Midas his wish, warning him to be mindful of the power he had been given. Little did Midas know, this wish would soon turn his world upside down.
At first, King Midas was overjoyed. Everything he touched turned into shimmering gold – his chair, his rose garden, even his food. The palace shimmered with golden light, and Midas felt like the richest man in the world.
However, soon, King Midas realized the terrible consequences of his wish. When he embraced his beloved daughter, she too turned into a lifeless golden statue. The king’s heart filled with despair.
He realized that his golden touch was more a curse than a blessing. In a world where everything was gold, he could not eat, drink, or show affection to those he loved.
In his sadness and regret, Midas begged Dionysus to take back the golden touch. The god, seeing Midas’ remorse, agreed to help.
He instructed Midas to wash his hands in the river Pactolus. As Midas did so, the golden touch flowed out of him and into the river, turning its sands to gold.
Midas learned a valuable lesson about greed and the true value of simple human joys. He understood that the love of his family and the beauty of the world around him were worth more than all the gold in his kingdom.
From that day on, he lived a simpler life, treasuring the moments with his daughter and his people more than his gold.
Read Next: Pandora and The Box — Little Red Riding Hood
Follow Up Questions
- Who gave Midas the golden touch?
- What would you do if everything you touched turned into gold, and why?” This question encourages children to think about the consequences of their wishes and the importance of thinking things through before making big decisions.
- “How do you think King Midas felt when he couldn’t hug his daughter, and what does this tell us about what’s truly valuable in life?” This question prompts kids to empathize with King Midas and reflect on the value of material possessions compared to love and human relationships.
