Arachne the Weaver

1. Arachne the Weaver • Arachne was a young girl who was so gifted at weaving that people came great distances to watch her work and admire her exquisite tapestries. “Athene herself must have taught you,” they said to her. For it was the goddess Athene who had taught human beings the craft of weaving.

2. “Not even Athene is good enough to be my teacher,” said Arachne scornfully. “In fact, I wish I could challenge her to a weaving contest, as I’m sure I would win.”

3. When Athene heard about Arachne’s boasting, she decided to visit the girl disguised as an old woman. • “Your talents are great,” she told Arachne, “but do not be so arrogant as to think you are better than a goddess.”

4. Arachne ignored the warning. “ I am every bit as good as I say I am,” • The goddess threw off her disguise she said. “Have your wish then foolish maiden. Let the contest begin!”

5. The onlookers gasped. Even Arachne turned pale. But it was too late to back down.

6. Both Arachne and Athene worked swiftly and gracefully. Breathtaking tapestries flowed from their fingers. Athene was pleased with her work but when she saw how splendid Arachne’s tapestry was, she flew into a rage.

7. She struck Arachne on the forehead, saying, “You and your descendents will remember this day, for you will weave and spin for all eternity!”

8. Arachne began to shrivel and shrink, until she was as small as a pea. Her slim fingers became eight slender legs, which scurried across the floor and up the wall.

9. Athene had turned her into a spider, and she immediately began to spin a delicate, gossamer web – as spiders have done ever since.