Beschrijving
Midas’ Short-sighted Wish. Phrygian farmers take an old man (Silen) to Midas (to a nameless poor man), who recognizes him as the educator of Dionysos. Midas organizes a feast for the old man and then hands him over to Dionysos. The grateful Dionysos gives Midas a wish.
He wishes that everything he touches will turn to gold [J2072.1]. Even his food and drink turn to gold so that he cannot eat. He asks Dionysos to take back the gift. Dionysos agrees and Midas has to bathe in the river Paktolos. From that time on the river contains gold.
In some variants Midas dies from hunger and thirst. Cf. Type 782.
He wishes that everything he touches will turn to gold [J2072.1]. Even his food and drink turn to gold so that he cannot eat. He asks Dionysos to take back the gift. Dionysos agrees and Midas has to bathe in the river Paktolos. From that time on the river contains gold.
In some variants Midas dies from hunger and thirst. Cf. Type 782.
Motief
J2072.1
Commentaar
For the story of Midas, see Ovid, Metamorphoses (XI,85–173).
Oorspronkelijk Verhaaltype
775
Subgenre
sprookje