In Greek mythology, Midas is the wealthy king of Phrygia. He is approached by Dionysius in gratitude for hospitality to his friend Silenus and is offered a wish. Due to his love of gold, he wishes that everything he touches be turned into it. At first he is delighted with his ability to make simple objects into valuable sculptures. But when he attempts to eat, he is unable to since his food also turns to metal and his drink to it in liquid form. Praying to be freed from what he now sees is a curse, he is told by Dionysius to wash himself in the river Pactolus to cleanse himself of the power. It works and Midas loses his love of wealth. This was the given explanation for why so much of the mineral could be found in the river.Starting with Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Golden Touch , King Midas is noted as the world's richest man, and another result of the power which drives him to regret it and plea for its removal is physical contact with his daughter leaving her a golden statue, Also, the being who approaches Midas, notes his greed, and responds to his wish by granting it is unnamed.