Mĭdas or Mĭda, ae, m., = Μίδας, son of Gordius, and king of Phrygia. At his request he received from Bacchus, who wished to prove his gratitude for the hospitality Midas had accorded him, the boon that everything he touched should turn to gold. But as this extended also to food and drink, he implored the assistance of the god. The latter told him to bathe in the river Pactolus, the sands of which from that time became mixed with gold. Midas decided in favor of Pan a musical contest between him and Apollo; who in revenge provided Midas with ass’s ears, Ov. M. 11, 85 sq. and 146; Hyg. Fab. 191; Cic. Tusc. 1, 48, 114; id. Div. 1, 36, 78; Mart. 6, 86, 4.
Midas is said to have discovered the use of lead and tin, Hyg. Fab. 274.