In Greek Mythology, Midas was the king of Phrygia and ruled from his castle and its beautiful garden in which "roses grow of themselves, each bearing sixty blossoms and of surpassing fragrance", according to Herodotus. One day, some of Midas' people found a drunken old man near the garden and brought him before the king. Midas recognized the old man, who was god Dionysus' closest reveler, the satyr Silenus. Instead of punishing him, Midas hosted the satyr for ten days, offering him food, drinks and entertaining him. When he returned him safely to Dionysus, the god felt gratitude and offered Midas to grant him any wish he had. Midas, motivated by his greed, asked that he should be able to turn into gold everything he touched. At first, Midas gained great wealth and power from his unique ability. But he later realized that it was more of a curse than a gift. Even the water and the food that he touched was turning into gold. He could not enjoy even the simplest joys in life anymore. Midas went back to Dionysus and begged him to take back his power.
