The Tale of Arachne

Arachne was a young woman from Lydia, famous across the land for her mind-blowing talent at weaving. She came from humble origins because her father was just a wool dyer, yet her skills were so extraordinary that crowds would travel for miles just to see her in action. She created scenes of rivers and forests, animals and people, with thread so vivid the images looked almost real.

As her reputation grew, so did her pride. When people complimented her, she would boast that her talent was not a blessing from the gods, but all her own. Some said she should be more down-to-earth, since everyone knew Athena, the goddess, watched over weaving and crafts. But Arachne ignored their warnings.

Eventually, Athena heard about Arachne’s arrogance and decided to put her to the test. She visited Arachne’s workshop disguised as an old woman and gently advised her, “You are gifted, but don’t ever claim you’re greater than the gods. Ask Athena for forgiveness and maybe you’ll keep her support.”

Arachne just laughed, completely unafraid. “Save your words, old mother. Athena doesn’t scare me. If she thinks she’s as good as I am, let her prove it.”

At that moment, the old woman transformed before everyone’s eyes into Athena herself, brilliant and strong, all eyes on her regal form. The crowd dropped to their knees in awe, but Arachne stood her ground with her head high. “So you have come at last,” she said. “Let’s see who really rules the loom.”

Athena accepted, and soon two looms were set up side by side. For hours, the goddess and the mortal wove in complete silence, their hands flying as patterns took shape in dazzling colours.

Athena’s tapestry showed the triumphs of the gods. Zeus on his throne, Poseidon ruling the seas, Apollo shining with his golden lyre. Around the edges, she added scenes of mortals who dared to challenge the gods and lost everything because of pride.

Arachne didn’t hesitate. She wove stories of the gods’ mistakes, their jealousies, disguises, and the tricks they played on humans. Her craft was flawless and her images so beautiful and lifelike that the threads seemed to move.

When both tapestries were finished, even Athena couldn’t find a single mistake in Arachne’s work. But the goddess frowned because, though perfect, Arachne’s tapestry was rebellious.

“You have talent, Arachne,” Athena said, “but you don’t show respect. Your pride clouds your judgment.” Angry, Athena ripped Arachne’s creation apart. Feeling hopeless, Arachne tried to end her own life. But Athena, now moved by pity, intervened. “You will live, but humbled,” she declared. With a touch of her spindle, Athena changed Arachne’s form. Her body shrank, her arms and legs grew thin and long, her fingers became spindly legs.

Arachne became the very first spider, destined to weave her webs forever.

Since then, her story has been shared to teach a lesson: that skill can be a gift, but pride without humility can cause disaster.