The Messed Up Origins™ of King Midas and the Golden Touch | Mythology Explained - Jon Solo

Jon Solo・2 minutes read

Jon Solo explores the myth of King Midas and the curse of the golden touch, discussing the various elements of the story, including the curse, the appearance of the ears of a donkey, and the potential historical origins of Midas. The story involves Midas receiving the golden touch from Dionysus and later seeking forgiveness to rid himself of the curse, with scholars still debating the connection between the mythological figure and any potential historical reality, suggesting that the tales may serve as moral lessons against greed and impulsive decisions.

Insights

  • King Midas, known for the golden touch, faced curses beyond wealth, including the ears of a donkey and a daughter turned to gold, showcasing the complexities and consequences of his desires.
  • The myths surrounding King Midas, whether inspired by real events or moral teachings, serve to caution against greed and impulsive decisions, highlighting the timeless relevance of these stories in imparting valuable life lessons.

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Recent questions

  • Who is King Midas and what is the curse of the golden touch?

    King Midas is a figure from Greek mythology known for his ability to turn everything he touches into gold. The curse of the golden touch is a popular concept in pop culture where Midas' wish for this power leads to unintended consequences.

  • How did King Midas try to rid himself of the golden touch curse?

    King Midas sought forgiveness from Dionysus, who instructed him to bathe in the River Pactolus to rid himself of the curse. This act was meant to cleanse him of the golden touch and restore his normal state.

  • What moral lessons can be derived from the story of King Midas?

    The story of King Midas, particularly the golden touch curse, serves as a cautionary tale against greed and hasty actions. It warns about the consequences of prioritizing material wealth over other values, emphasizing the importance of making thoughtful decisions.

  • How did King Midas ultimately seal the chasm in his kingdom?

    King Midas faced a chasm in his kingdom and sought advice from the Oracle on how to close it. Initially, he tried sacrificing gold and silver, but the chasm remained open until Anchurus sacrificed himself, believing life was the most valuable, leading to the chasm sealing.

  • What factors does Upstart consider for loan eligibility?

    Upstart considers various factors beyond credit score to determine loan eligibility, offering a quick online process. These factors may include education, job history, and other personal details to assess the borrower's financial situation comprehensively.

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Summary

00:00

"King Midas: Curse of the Golden Touch"

  • Jon Solo returns from a summer break to discuss the story of King Midas and the curse of the golden touch.
  • King Midas is known for his ability to turn everything he touches into gold, a concept popular in pop culture.
  • Midas' mythology includes being cursed with the ears of a donkey and the idea that he may have been a real person.
  • Upstart is introduced as a sponsor, offering a service for paying off debt through personal loans.
  • Upstart considers various factors beyond credit score to determine loan eligibility, with a quick online process.
  • Dionysus punishes women who kill Orpheus by turning them into trees, leading to a party where Silenus ends up with King Midas.
  • Silenus and Midas party together, leading to Midas being granted a wish by Dionysus for any gift he desires.
  • Midas wishes for the golden touch, turning everything he touches into gold, leading to a realization of the curse's drawbacks.
  • Midas seeks forgiveness from Dionysus, who instructs him to bathe in the River Pactolus to rid himself of the curse.
  • Midas' story includes a version where his daughter is turned to gold, a detail not from ancient Greek myth but from Nathaniel Hawthorne's book.

11:06

Midas sacrifices life to close chasm.

  • Midas faced a chasm in his kingdom, and the Oracle advised him to throw in the most valuable item to close it.
  • Initially, Midas tried gold and silver, but the chasm remained open until Anchurus sacrificed himself, believing life was most valuable, leading to the chasm sealing.
  • The connection between mythological Midas and the historical figure remains uncertain, with scholars debating if the myths were inspired by real events or were moral tales.
  • The myths of King Midas, like the golden touch story, may have served to impart moral lessons, cautioning against greed and hasty actions, rather than being based on historical events.
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