Arachne- Greek FigureMortal

The Weaver of Lydia

Arachne was a young woman of Hypaepae in Lydia, daughter of Idmon, a dyer famous for his Colophonian purple. Though born to humble circumstances, she wove with such skill that nymphs would leave their groves and rivers to watch her work. Her fame spread throughout Lydia.

The Boast

Arachne's skill bred pride. When admirers suggested that Athena herself must have taught her, Arachne rejected the notion with scorn. She claimed her ability was her own and boasted that she could outweave the goddess. She challenged Athena to a contest and declared she would accept any punishment if defeated.

The Contest

Athena came first in disguise as an old woman, leaning on a staff, and warned Arachne to be content with fame among mortals and beg the goddess's pardon. When Arachne dismissed her with contempt, Athena revealed herself. The contest began. Athena wove a tapestry of divine authority: her own contest with Poseidon for Athens, and in the four corners, mortals punished for defying the gods.

Arachne wove the gods' transgressions. Her tapestry showed Zeus as a bull carrying off Europa, as a shower of gold falling into Danaë's lap. It showed Poseidon in animal forms, Apollo in his disguises. Every image was so lifelike it seemed to breathe. Not a single flaw could be found.

The Transformation

Athena could find no fault in the weaving, but she could not abide what it showed. She tore the tapestry to pieces and struck Arachne with her shuttle. Overwhelmed by shame, Arachne hanged herself. Athena would not let her escape so easily. She sprinkled Arachne with the juice of Hecate's herb, and the girl's body shrank and darkened until nothing was left but a small round belly with eight thin legs. Arachne was the first spider.