Greek - Goddess of Weaving
Arachne
Arachne was a young woman from Lydia, sometimes said to be a princess, who arrogantly offended the goddess Athena, and suffered the terrible consequences. The story of her scornful and overweening pride was told throughout ancient Greece and it helped serve as a warning to all mortals to respect the gods. Arachne was truly gifted in the art of weaving. Not only were her finished products beautiful to look at, but the very act of her weaving was a sight to behold. She challenged Athena to a contest. Arachne created a tapestry showing scenes of Zeus’ various infidelities. Athena tore up the tapestry. Arachne ran away in shame and committed suicide. Athena brought her back to life but transformed her into a spider.
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