Arachne

Arachne: The Spider Goddess
= ﻿﻿Arachne, a ﻿goddess in Greek mythology, was the worlds first spider. She was a young woman from Lydia, sometimes she was thought to be a princess. Gifted in weaving, Arachne studied for a while with Athena, the Greek Goddess of war. Arachne was so skilled that Nymphs were said to abandon their frolicking to come observe. Athena was offended by the Nymphs because they were amazed at Arachne's skilled weaving eventhough Athena was the one who tought her everything she knew. = = The Contest: = Arachne dispised Athena, Athena decided to give Arachne another chance to redeem herself.

=
Arachne despised Athena, she decided to give her another chance to redeem her self. Disguised as an old woman, Athena warned her to not to offend the gods. Arachne accepted the challenge. If she were to lose she would suffer whatever punishment Athena gave her. Athena began to weave the scenes from her contest, with Poseidon for the city of ﻿Athens﻿. A beautiful array of threads showing Poseidon and the salt water spring. Arachne created tapestry scenes of Zues' various infidelities: Leda with the Swan, Europa with the bull, Danae and the golden rain shower. Athena was forced to admit that Arachne's work was flawless. Athena tore tapestry to pieces and destroyed the loom. Athena took pity on Arachne. Arachne committed suicide. She brought her back to life, but not as human. Athena, in order to bring her back to life, used the juices of aconite. Arachne came to life as a woman spider. ===== Resources: [|www.google.images] [|www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/greek-goddess-arachne.htm] -