According to Greek mythology, Midas ruled in what is today Turkey, in the area known in ancient times as Phrygia. Pan, the god of shepherds, and mighty Apollo were arguing. Pan boasted that his flute made of reeds could produce a more beautiful melody than Apollos harp. Apollo then challenged Pan to a music contest.. One of the judges was King Midas, who alone chose Pan as the winner. Apollo was furious. 'The problem, Midas, is your ears. They are too small to hear properly. I will fix them.' Midas felt his ears quiver and turn into the large furry ears of a donkey! Before this incident, Midas had found the lost father of Bacchus, the god of wine and merrymaking. In return, Bacchus gave Midas any wish he wanted. Midas wished for all he touched to turn to goldand everything did, including his daughter. Midas then prayed for the wish to be recalled. Bacchus told Midas to wash his hands in the Pactolus River, which he did, turning the sands to gold and explaining why the river was so rich