Dionysus gave Midas his golden touch
The legend of King Midas is still popular today, but many people are unaware that it was Dionysus who bestowed his golden touch on the famed leader. Silenus, the elderly satyr who had raised Dionysus in his youth, went lost, according to tradition. He'd passed out drunk on King Midas' land and been discovered by peasants. Silenus was greeted warmly by the monarch, who lavished him with hospitality. Before Midas returned the satyr to Dionysus, they feasted together for ten days and nights.
In exchange for the king's good treatment of his friend, Dionysus offered him anything he desired. Midas begged that everything he touched turn to gold without even thinking about it. Midas was granted the favor, but the god of wine told him that he wished he had made a wiser decision. The monarch, on the other hand, was overjoyed when a leaf turned to gold when he touched it. Midas suddenly saw the folly of his decision as the kingdom got wealthy. When he tried to eat or drink, the food turned to the metal as soon as it came into contact with his lips.
