ARACHNE From Greek Mythology
In the kingdom of Lydia (an ancient area of Anatolia, which is in modern-day Turkey) there lived a girl, named Arachne. She was a very good weaving, and her reputation for embroidery soon spread. Athena, the goddess of (among many other things) spinners and embroiderers, was considered by many to have been Arachne's tutor, but Arachne refused to give the goddess any credit for having taught her how tow weave so beautifully.
Indeed, so sure of her own weaving abilities that Arachne even boldly challenged Athena to a weaving contest. Athena turned up in disguise as an old woman, advising the young weaver to be more modest about her achievements. Arachne was scornful, so Athena - angered by the girl's arrogance-revealed her true identity and accepted the challenge Arachne had proposed.
The two competitors chose the subject of their tapestries with care while Athena showed the twelve Olympian gods in hers, she wove in a little detail in each of the corners, showing what happens to uppity mortals who think they can defy the gods. Conversely, Arachne depicted the most outrageous things the gods had got up to - in particular, Zeus' track record in seducing or abducting young maidens to satisfy his own lust.
Arachne's work was perfect, and Athena had to admit it. But, being a goddess she didn't have to like it. What's the use of being a deity if you can't throw your weight about from time to time. So, Athena tore up Arachne's beautiful work and struck her down. Arachne was so downcast by this, that she hanged herself.
Athena was vindictive and refused to give Arachne peace in death. So, she turned the dead girl into a spider, so that she would be doomed to weave and spin for all the time.
Answer (1)
The Arachne myth highlights the perils of conceit and disdain for the gods. Despite her talent, Arachne was too arrogant to respect Athena. Her skill was flawless when she challenged the goddess, but Athena punished her. The narrative warns against arrogance and explains why spiders make webs.
