Final answer:
In the story of Midas, Apollo and Pan contribute to themes of human folly and pride, as well as the unexpected and ironic outcomes of divine interaction with mortals. Their contest exemplifies how pride can lead to disastrous judgments and how gifts from the gods can be double-edged swords.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characters of Apollo and Pan in the story of Midas showcase a theme of human folly and the consequences of poor judgment. In Greek mythology, Midas is famously known for his wish that turned everything he touched into gold, ultimately realizing this 'blessing' was actually a curse. The involvement of the gods, particularly Apollo, highlights the theme of pride and its destructive potential. Apollo's contest with Pan over musical prowess, where Midas foolishly decides in favor of Pan and earns himself donkey's ears, further emphasizes the theme. This theme is developed through repeated elements such as judging of contests, bestowing of gifts that are curses in disguise, and the folly of humans in the face of the divine.
The repeated elements suggest other themes as well, including the pervasiveness of vanity and the idea that wisdom is not always where one would expect to find it. These themes are echoed in the grand festivities and competitions depicted in the provided texts, where mortals and gods engage in elaborate contests and judgments that may lead to unforeseen and often ironic consequences.