Story Summary
Explore the myth of Athena and Arachne, where a mortal weaver’s hubris leads to a divine contest and her transformation into the world's very first spider.
In the ancient land of Lydia, a mortal woman named Arachne became famous for her unparalleled skill in weaving. Her tapestries were so beautiful that many believed she had been taught by Athena, the goddess of crafts. However, Arachne’s pride grew alongside her fame, and she insolently claimed that her talent surpassed even that of the goddess herself. Hearing this, Athena disguised herself as an old woman and visited Arachne, warning her to seek forgiveness for her hubris. When Arachne laughed and challenged the goddess to a contest, Athena revealed her true, radiant form. They set up their looms and began to weave with incredible speed. Athena wove scenes of the Olympian gods in all their glory, while Arachne chose to depict the gods' various scandals and infidelities. Though Arachne’s work was objectively flawless, its disrespectful subject matter enraged Athena. In a fit of divine temper, the goddess tore the tapestry to shreds and struck Arachne. Overwhelmed by shame and the weight of her own arrogance, Arachne attempted to end her life. Taking pity on the girl, Athena transformed her into a spider, decreeing that she and her descendants would weave beautiful webs for all eternity.
The Moral
Excessive pride and disrespect toward others can lead to a tragic downfall. True talent should be tempered with humility and grace.
“Live on, wicked girl, but hang for all eternity.”
Fun Fact
The scientific name for the class of animals that includes spiders, scorpions, and mites—Arachnida—is directly derived from the character Arachne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Athena and Arachne?
The story serves as a cautionary tale about hubris, or excessive pride. It teaches that boasting and disrespecting those with greater experience or power often leads to severe consequences.
Why did Athena turn Arachne into a spider?
Athena turned Arachne into a spider to punish her for her arrogance and the disrespectful nature of her tapestry. However, it was also a form of mercy to keep her alive after she attempted to hang herself.
What did Arachne weave in her tapestry?
Arachne wove scenes depicting the gods in shameful or scandalous situations, specifically focusing on their deceits. This was seen as a direct insult to the dignity of the Olympian gods.
Who actually won the weaving contest?
In many versions of the myth, Arachne’s work was technically flawless and arguably better than Athena's. However, because her theme was insulting to the gods, she was punished regardless of her technical skill.
What does the name Arachne mean?
The name Arachne is the ancient Greek word for 'spider'. The myth explains the origin of the creature and why it spends its life weaving intricate webs.
Is Athena and Arachne a Greek or Roman myth?
The most famous version of this story comes from the Roman poet Ovid in his 'Metamorphoses,' though it is based on earlier Greek mythological traditions.