King Midas of ancient Greece blessed with the golden touch

Can gold be evil? Some men have done wicked things in the search for gold, but it is not gold itself that is bad. It is the greed and weakness of human beings that makes people commit dreadful crimes to get their hands on this powerful precious metal.

Many centuries ago, there was a king in Greece called King Midas. He lived in a palace filled with beautiful things, but King Midas had one great weakness in his character. He was greedy for gold. He owned stacks of gold coins, a casket of gold jewellery and cupboards full of gold cups and plates. But this was not enough. He wanted more. He wanted to fill his palace from floor to ceiling with gold.

Now the chance to fulfil his ambition had come. King Midas was on very good terms with the gods and had recently done one of them a great favour. In return, King Midas had been granted one wish. He could wish for anything he wanted, and the gods would make it come true.

King Midas did not have to think twice about his wish. He asked the gods to give him the power to turn everything he touched into gold. The gods smiled and gave him what he longed for. Midas was overjoyed. He walked around his palace touching furniture, doors, statues, pots and pans. Before his eyes, everything turned into gold.

After a few hours, King Midas began to get hungry and ordered his servants to bring him a delicious meal. He reached out to pick up a juicy peach and a terrible thing happened. It turned to gold! Quickly, Midas understood the dreadful power of his wish.

A door suddenly burst open, and the King's daughter rushed into the room to kiss her father. He held out his hand to try and stop her, but he was too late. His beautiful daughter was instantly turned into a golden statue. King Midas screamed in horror and fell to the floor.