Ancient History

Learn about the Greek myth of Arachne, a talented weaver who challenged the goddess Athena.

Arachne was a gifted weaver who lived in ancient Lydia. Athena disguised herself as an old woman to warn Arachne, but Arachne accepted a challenge to compete against the goddess.

The weaving contest began with Athena at one loom and Arachne at another. Athena wove a tapestry showing herself and Poseidon giving gifts to Athens, while Arachne began weaving scenes of Zeus in different forms.

Athena found Arachne's work flawless but was enraged at being beaten by a mortal. She tore up the tapestries and filled Arachne with guilt. Arachne became so depressed she departed this life, but Athena took pity and brought her back as a spider.

Arachne was transformed into a spider and would forever weave for herself and her descendants, the Arachnids.

Arachne - Directed by Nick Kozis (Greek Mythology)