King Midas - a legendary person?
Midas was a Phrygian king, who reigned over the region known today as Anatolia in about 700 before Christ. As for historically consolidated facts, little more is known about Midas and his reign of Phrygia. Well known, though, is the part he plays in Greek mythology:
King Midas and Dionysius
Once, Dionysius, the God of Wine, was travelling through the land, to teach the art of viticulture to the people. Among those who were following him, was Seilenios.

Thus they came to the reign of Phrygia, ruled by King Midas in those days. It was hot, and the elderly, big-bellied Seilenos remained behind the others and finally laid himself down to rest in the shade of a vine. No one noticed his absence, and so it came to pass that he was found by the peasants of King Midas.

They recognised Seilenos and made fun of him, who was still sound asleep. Finally, they took him to their King. Midas was overjoyed to be able to welcome a friend of Dionysus as his guest, served him food and drink and, followed by his entire retinue, accompanied him personally back to Dionysus.

Grateful for the service rendered to his follower, he granted a wish to Midas. The King did not hesitate and on the spot he expressed his desire that all he touched should turn to gold. Dionysius was aghast at this imprudence but, true to his promise, fulfilled the King's wish.

Midas went forth to test his ability and, content with the riches he thus obtained, soon returned to his palace, looking forward to a festive meal. His elation soon gave way to disappointment when he discovered that everything he tried to take to his mouth also turned into gold in no time. Even the wine and the water served with it turned into solid gold as soon as he had touched them.

He then fell on his knees, repented his greediness and pleaded with Dionysius to free him of his sinister magical power lest he should die of starvation. The God showed mercy to Midas and said: “To the springs of the river Pactolos thou shalt go, and thrice shalt thou dip thine head into the sacred waters.” Thus was King Midas freed from the spell and regained his former state. Since then, tiny grains of gold can be found in the sandy banks of the Pactolos.

King Midas' Ass's Ears
The king left his Palace. Henceforth, he despised wealth and riches. He went to live with the shepherds in the forests and mountains, spending much of his time in the company of Pan and listening with great pleasure to the God's flute playing. Used to extolling the God's art into the skies, he was foolish enough to do so even when Pan entered into competition with Apollo.

It was Pan who had challenged Apollo. Tmolos, God of the mountains, was to decide the contest. Fauns, Satyrs, Nymphs and Men gathered as their audience. First, Pan blew a squeaky shepherd's melody on his flute made of hollow reeds. Only Midas praised his playing. Then Apollo played the Lyre and truly divine music resounded through the air.

Tmolos handed him the victor's laurel wreath. Everybody but Midas applauded. The decision, he complained in a voice so loud that even Apollo had to hear it, was unfair. Invisibly, the God approached the critic and pulled his ears, until they had become long and pointed like those of an ass. Grey hair began to grow on them and soon Midas could even move his ass's ears. When he realised what had befallen him, he begged for mercy. But the Apollo remained adamant.

Filled with shame he fled to the woods, covering his ears with a high cap. Before long, the servant who cut his hair disclosed the secret in an unusual way. Having sworn to his king not to betray him, he dug a hole in the sand on the riverbank, stuck his head into it and spoke: “King Midas has ass's ears.” Then he refilled the hole.

Soon, reed began to grow, covering the place where the hole had been. And every time the wind blew, the reed softly whispered: “King Midas has ass's ears.” Thus the secret was revealed, and everybody laughed about how the king's foolishness had been punished.

But the fact remains that ever since the legendary Midas had rinsed the gold out of his hair in the waters of the river Pactolos, Lydia had become a golden country, the Eldorado of antiquity. And the second king of Lydia was no other than Croesus…