in Greek mythology, a king of Phrygia, was the son of Gordius, and, according to some authorities, of Cybele. He seems to have been a disciple of Orpheus; and, like him, a worshipper of Dionysus. When that deity was passing through Phrygia, on his way from Thrace, Silenus, who accompanied him, having become intoxicated, was found in the gardens of Midas, and brought before the king, who received him hospitably, and sent him back to Dionysus. In return for this, the god desired Midas to ask whatever favour he wished. He accordingly requested that he might have the power of turning whatever he touched into gold. This favour was granted; but Midas finding that he ran the risk of being starved, from his food and drink being changed into gold, begged the god to recall his gift. He was accordingly directed to wash in the river Pactolus, which ever after had gold in great abundance among its sands. Another legend of Midas is, that having been appointed judge in a musical contest between Apollo and Pan, he decided in favour of the latter; whereupon Apollo in revenge gave him the ears of an ass. These Midas endeavoured to conceal under his cap, but was obliged to disclose the disagreeable fact to his barber, who being bound to secrecy, and yet unable to keep his discovery to himself, dug a hole in the earth, and having whispered into it the singular intelligence, closed it up again. But there seemed to be a fate in it, for the very seeds which grew from the spot murmured in a low tone as they rustled in the wind, "King Midas has the ears of an ass;" and thus disclosed to the world the deformity and disgrace of the monarch. Midas seems to have been a common title of the reigning dynasty in Phrygia; and a king of that name is mentioned by Herodotus as having sent offerings to the temple of Apollo at Delphi.