Long ago in ancient Greece, there lived a king named Midas who loved gold more than anything else in the world. He spent his days counting his treasure and wishing he had more. One day, he helped a lost traveler, not knowing the stranger was actually a god in disguise.
To reward King Midas for his kindness, the god offered to grant him one wish. Without thinking carefully, Midas exclaimed, "I wish that everything I touch would turn to gold!" The god warned him to think wisely, but Midas insisted. "Your wish is granted," the god said, and then vanished.
At first, Midas was thrilled! He touched a tree branch, and it turned to solid gold. He touched a stone, and it became golden. Everything his fingers touched transformed into gleaming gold. Midas ran through his palace, turning everything into treasure. His joy seemed endless.
But soon, Midas grew hungry. When he tried to eat bread, it turned to gold in his hands. When he lifted a cup of water to his lips, it became solid gold before he could drink. Even the beautiful roses in his garden became cold, hard, golden statues when he touched them. His gift had become a curse!
The worst moment came when his beloved daughter ran to hug him. Before he could warn her, she touched him and instantly turned to gold. Heartbroken, Midas begged the god to take back the gift. The god took pity on him and told him to wash in a special river. Midas did so, and everything returned to normal. He learned that love and simple pleasures are worth far more than gold.