Midas
/ˈmaɪ.dəs/noun
A legendary king of Phrygia known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold.
Did you know?Midas was not only a symbol of greed but also a cautionary tale about the dangers of desire, as his golden touch ultimately led to his downfall.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Μίδας
“A king famed for his wealth, whose touch turned objects to gold.”
Hellenistic Period
Greek
Μίδας
“Midas became synonymous with the folly of greed and the consequences of unchecked desires.”
Roman Era
Latin
Midas
“Adopted into Roman culture, representing the archetype of the greedy king.”
Middle Ages
Old French
Midas
“Retained as a figure in folklore, illustrating the perils of avarice.”
Renaissance
English
Midas
“Reintroduced as a literary symbol of wealth and its burdens in poetry and prose.”
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