Who granted Midas the gift of donkey ears?

The story of King Midas, who was granted donkey ears, actually highlights the intervention of the god Dionysus. According to myth, Midas was granted this unusual gift as a punishment for his poor judgment. He had insulted the god Dionysus by preferring the music of Pan over that of Apollo, showcasing a lack of appreciation for the divine arts and the proper reverence due to these deities. Dionysus, in response to Midas's foolishness, bestowed upon him the feature of donkey ears, which symbolized both his folly and the idea that he could not keep his greed and vanity hidden.

Midas's gift serves as a reminder of the lessons of humility and the dangers of pride. Rather than receiving the ears from Apollo, it is the playful yet stern Dionysus who teaches Midas the consequences of his actions. This myth emphasizes themes of accountability and the relationship between mortals and gods in mythology, particularly the importance of recognizing true wisdom and artistry over superficial preferences.