The Importance of Silenus to King Midas

How do you know that Midas treats Silenus as an important visitor? Find two pieces of evidence.

a) Midas offers him gold.

b) Midas throws him out of his palace.

c) Midas ignores him completely.

d) Midas asks him to leave politely.

Final answer:

Midas treats Silenus as an important visitor by offering him gold and asking him to leave politely.

Explanation:

From the given options, two pieces of evidence that indicate Midas treats Silenus as an important visitor are:

1. Midas offers him gold: Offering gold to someone is often seen as a gesture of high regard and respect. By offering gold to Silenus, Midas is showing that he values his presence.
2. Midas asks him to leave politely: If Midas asks Silenus to leave politely, it suggests that Midas wants to ensure that Silenus is comfortable and that he is treated with courtesy while being asked to leave. This is another indication that Silenus is considered an important visitor to Midas.

In Greek mythology, King Midas is known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. Silenus, on the other hand, was a wise and elderly satyr, and a companion to the god Dionysus. Despite their different backgrounds, when Silenus visited Midas, the king treated him with great respect.

Midas offered Silenus gold, a precious and valuable commodity, which signifies how highly he regarded the visitor. By receiving gold from the king, Silenus was acknowledged as an important and esteemed guest in the palace.

Additionally, Midas asking Silenus to leave politely demonstrates a level of politeness and consideration. Even when ushering him out, Midas showed respect and courtesy towards Silenus, further highlighting the significance of the visitor's presence.

These actions by Midas not only show his respect for Silenus but also hint at the importance of hospitality and courtesy in ancient societies. Treating guests well, especially esteemed ones like Silenus, was a mark of a good and honorable host.

Overall, the gestures of offering gold and politely asking Silenus to leave provide clear indications that Midas treated Silenus as an important visitor, reflecting societal norms and the value placed on hospitality and respect in ancient times.