King Midas and the Golden Touch
How to Study
Read the Model Story that is best for you, or use the Writing Outline to write your own story.
Short Version
Once there was a king called Midas. He was very greedy. He had a lot of wealth, but he wanted more and more.
One day, King Midas was sitting alone in his garden. He wished that everything he touched would turn into gold. A wise god heard his wish and gave him the golden touch.
The king was very happy. He touched some things, and they turned into gold. Then he went back to his palace.
His little daughter came running to him. King Midas loved her very much. He touched her, and suddenly she turned into gold.
The king became very sad and began to cry. He understood his mistake. The wise god felt sorry for him and took the golden touch away.
His daughter became human again. King Midas was no longer greedy.
Moral: There are things more precious than gold.
Expanded Version
Once there was a king called Midas. He was very rich. His palace was beautiful, and he had a great deal of gold and wealth. Yet he was not satisfied. He always wanted more gold.
One day, King Midas was sitting alone in his garden. He thought, “I wish everything I touch could turn into gold.” A wise god heard his wish and gave him the golden touch.
Midas was delighted. He touched a flower, and at once it became gold. He touched a chair, a table, and other things, and all of them turned into shining gold. He thought he was the happiest man in the world.
Then he returned to his palace. His little daughter came running towards him. Midas loved her very much. Without thinking, he put his arms around her.
At once, the girl turned into a golden statue.
The king was shocked. His joy disappeared, and he began to cry. All his gold suddenly seemed useless. He understood that his greed had brought him great sorrow.
The wise god saw his sadness and felt sorry for him. The golden touch was taken away, and his daughter became human again.
Midas hugged her with great happiness. From that day, he no longer cared only about gold. He understood that love and family were more valuable than wealth.
Moral: There are things more precious than gold.