Athena and Arachne - Greek Mythology Ep.21 - See U in History

Summary

The story follows Arachne, a skilled weaver whose work rivals that of the goddess Athena. Despite praise for her talent, Arachne arrogantly claims her abilities surpass the goddess herself. Athena, disguised as an old woman, challenges Arachne to a weaving competition. While Athena depicts her victory over Poseidon, Arachne weaves a scene criticizing the gods' power. Arachne's work is superior, enraging Athena, who destroys it and curses her to become a spider. Even in her new form, Arachne continues weaving with greater skill, leaving Athena both furious and impressed.

Takeaways

• 🕸️ Arachne was a skilled weaver from Colophon, Lydia.
• 🌟 Her work was so exquisite it was compared to fine art.
• 🗣️ Arachne's fame grew, attracting attention from distant nobles and even nymphs.
• 🏆 She claimed her work was superior to Athena's, the goddess of weavers.
• 👵 Athena disguised herself as an old woman to warn Arachne about humility.
• 💬 Arachne stood by her claim, asserting her talent and truth.
• 🆚 Arachne and Athena engaged in a weaving competition to settle the dispute.
• 🎨 Athena wove a scene of her victory, while Arachne depicted Zeus's deceit.
• 🏆 Arachne's work was deemed superior, even with its critique of the gods.
• 🔥 Athena, enraged by the defeat and insult, destroyed Arachne's work and cursed her.
• 🕷️ Transformed into a spider, Arachne continued her craft, impressing even Athena.

Q & A

Who is Arachne in the story?

Arachne is a young girl from the city of Colophon in Lydia, who is the daughter of a weaver and has exceptional skill in weaving.

What is Arachne's claim to fame?

Arachne's claim to fame is her extraordinary talent in weaving, which leads people to compare her work to the most beautiful works of art.

Why does Arachne's reputation reach the nymphs and Athena?

Arachne's reputation reaches the nymphs and Athena because her skill in weaving is so exceptional that it becomes legendary, attracting attention from even divine beings.

What does Arachne say about her work in comparison to Athena's?

Arachne claims that her embroidered work is even better than the ones of the goddess Athena.

How does Athena respond to Arachne's claim?

Athena disguises herself as an old lady to visit Arachne and advises her to be humble, suggesting that comparing herself to a goddess is unwise.

What challenge does Athena propose to Arachne?

Athena proposes a weaving competition to determine who can produce the best embroidered work.

What do Athena and Arachne weave in the competition?

Athena weaves a depiction of her victory against Poseidon for Athens, while Arachne weaves an image of the kidnap of Princess Europa by Zeus, who turned into a bull.

How does Arachne's work differ from Athena's in the competition?

Arachne's work is a display of sarcasm against the gods, criticizing their use of power over men, while Athena's work is a depiction of her own victory.

What is Athena's reaction to Arachne's work in the competition?

Athena is outraged by the criticism of the gods in Arachne's work and feels her wrath intensify upon realizing she has been defeated by a mortal.

What curse does Athena place on Arachne after the competition?

Athena curses Arachne to become a horrible and repulsive creature, and the same fate is to befall her offspring.

What happens to Arachne after her transformation?

Despite becoming a spider, Arachne continues to weave, and her work with eight legs appears to be even better than before.

What does Athena say about Arachne's work after her transformation?

Athena acknowledges Arachne's skill by saying, 'Damn her, she is good indeed.'