Date: 9 Jun 2026
Topic: Mythology
Codebreakers are a fun way to build numeracy skills.
Around 700 BCE, the kingdom of Phrygia was ruled by King Midas. One day, King Midas offered hospitality to a dear friend and mentor of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry. In return for his kindness, the god offered to grant Midas a single wish. King Midas wished that everything he touched would turn to gold, hoping it would make him incredibly wealthy. Dionysus reluctantly granted the wish.
At first, Midas was thrilled. He touched an oak branch, and it turned to gold. Stones turned to gold, and fruit turned to gold. Everything he touched became pure wealth.
However, when dinner time came, any food or beverage that touched his lips also turned to gold, becoming completely inedible. King Midas realized he was going to starve. Seeing his distress, his daughter ran to him to give him a cuddle of consolation, and she too instantly turned to gold.
Realizing his greed had ruined his life, Midas prayed to Dionysus to take back the power. The god took pity on him and told Midas to wash his hands in the Pactolus River. When Midas dipped his hands into the water, the golden touch was transferred to the river. The sands of the riverbed turned to gold, which explains why the river was a rich source of gold dust in later history. Midas's daughter returned to normal, and Midas abandoned his wealth to become a follower of Pan, the god of nature, living a much simpler life.
Today the expression Midas touch, means anything you do or interact with becomes successful, but many forget the unintended consequence of losing yourself to greed.