Page "Midas" Paragraph 7

Arrian gives an alternative story of the descent and life of Midas.

According to him, Midas was the son of Gordios, a poor peasant, and a Telmissian maiden of the prophetic race.

When Midas grew up to be a handsome and valiant man, the Phrygians were harassed by civil discord, and consulting the oracle, they were told that a wagon would bring them a king, who would put an end to their discord.

While they were still deliberating, Midas arrived with his father and mother, and stopped near the assembly, wagon and all.

They, comparing the oracular response with this occurrence, decided that this was the person whom the god told them the wagon would bring.

They therefore appointed Midas king and he, putting an end to their discord, dedicated his father ’ s wagon in the citadel as a thank-offering to Zeus the king.

In addition to this the following saying was current concerning the wagon, that whosoever could loosen the cord of the yoke of this wagon, was destined to gain the rule of Asia.

This someone was to be Alexander the Great.

In other versions of the legend, it was Midas ' father Gordias who arrived humbly in the cart and made the Gordian Knot.