Gordias, the peasant-king of Phrygia, was the father of Midas, who inherited the Phrygian throne and became famous for the golden touch.
King Midas judged Pan the winner of a musical contest against Apollo. Apollo punished Midas's poor judgment by giving him donkey ears.
In Pausanias's account, Cybele drove Attis mad when he was betrothed to the daughter of King Midas of Pessinus. The wedding feast became the scene of Attis's self-castration and death.
When King Midas hospitably entertained the lost Silenus and returned him to Dionysus, the grateful god granted Midas a wish — the golden touch that turned all he touched to gold.
Midas bathed in the river Pactolus to wash away the golden touch, transferring his power to the waters. The Pactolus thereafter ran with gold dust, explaining its historical gold deposits.
Midas found the drunken Silenus wandering in his gardens and hosted him for ten days before returning him to Dionysus, earning the god's gratitude and the golden touch wish.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and improve your experience. Learn more