What natural element did Midas become consumed by in his pursuit of wealth?

Midas became consumed by the element of earth in his pursuit of wealth due to his infamous "golden touch." The story narrates that Midas, a king known for his insatiable greed, wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. This desire led to his eventual downfall as he realized that he could not consume food or drink, as they too turned to gold upon contact. Ultimately, he became entrapped by the very earth he coveted; the gold became a burden rather than a blessing. The connection to earth is significant, as it represents the material wealth and the relentless desire for accumulation that led to Midas's tragic fate. The other elements, while important in various mythological contexts, do not directly pertain to Midas's narrative of greed and the material consequences of his wish.