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Midas is a strange foolish greedy character in Greek mythology. He was the king of Phrygia, the land of roses. His palace had large and rare collection rose gardens. He was very proud of that.

One day the old satyr Silenus got missing and came in the flower garden of Midas. Some servants saw the satyr in a drunken and half-asleep state in the rose garden. They tied him with a garland of roses and began to make fun about him.

But Midas could recognize him. He scolded the servants. Then Midas treated Silenus with great affection and respect, and healed him by taking care. Ten days later the satyr was taken to Dionysus. Dionysus was very happy with the work of Midas. He told Midas to have a wish as he would be given whatever he wanted.

Midas said without any thinking, he wanted everything he touched turn to gold. Dionysus warns him against asking for such a gift. Even then, when midas repeatedly begged him, he agreed.

Then Midas took an apple to eat, that turned into gold. Foolish midas happily went to the garden and touched one rose after another and turned into gold.

But after a while Midas realized his mistake. He could not eat anything, because every food was going to turn to gold as soon as that was touched. Midas became hungry and thirsty.

Suddenly his daughter came to the garden. He hugged and caressed her. With the touch of Midas hand, she turned into a golden doll.

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Then Midas wept and begged to Dionysus to return the power. Dionysus ordered to go to the source of the river Pectonas and let to have a bathe there. Midas did just that. He got his daughter back. It is explained as the reason why gold is found in the sands of the banks of river Pectonas.

Although it is a phenomenon of Greek mythology, a story from the poetic imaginations. But the greatest strength of Greek mythology is that most of its phenomena is linked with reality behind the metaphoric meaning of that stories. As mentioned in the previous episode of Mythological Mystery- Prometheus: Still Alive, where I had shown how Greek mythology fits into the reality of our lives.

Midas touch can be explained in the same way. There are many greedy fools in our society like Midas who run blindly after money. They mean money as happiness. Even in the pursuit of that money, they forget about their own family, wife and children.

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It is true that they fulfill all the desires of their wife and child, but it is like making their child a golden doll like Midas. Yes, their children become like statues of gold. Human kindness does not develop in themselves. As a result, some of them become addicted to drugs, some of them become terrorist, some of them drown in the underground world of crime.

Like Midas, they may one day realize their mistake. But there is nothing to do. Like Midas some of them may get the blessings of the god, some of them may not.

Wherever you put your hand that turns to gold.. there is nothing too proud of it. Maybe Midas's cruel destiny is waiting for you too.

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