The Greek figure who turned everything he touched into gold is Midas. This well-known myth tells of King Midas's wish to transform whatever he touched into gold, which ultimately became a curse rather than a blessing. His greed led to tragic outcomes, including the inability to eat or touch his loved ones without harming them. The story of Midas serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desire and the importance of appreciating what one already has.