King Midas

mythology · ancient kings · magic wishes

King of Phrygia. Midas ruled over an ancient kingdom called Phrygia, which is in what we now call Turkey. He was a real historical figure, but stories grew around his name over time.

The Golden Touch. The most famous myth about Midas says he wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. According to the story, this actually backfired because even his food and drink turned to gold, leaving him unable to eat or drink.

Many myths attached. So many different stories became connected to Midas that historians aren't sure which tales are based on the real king and which are completely made up. Later kings of Phrygia were also sometimes called Midas.

Donkey ears tale. Another myth tells of Midas having donkey ears after a musical contest with the god Apollo. He tried to hide them under a hat, but a barber discovered the secret and whispered it into a hole in the ground.

Ancient legend lives on. Midas became so famous that his story has been retold for thousands of years. We still use the phrase 'the Midas touch' today to describe someone who makes money easily.