Athena & Arachne's Weaving Contest
By Anna Moricz
Introduction
The Myth
The entire myth begins with a girl called Arachne. Arachne was a young woman who loved to weave. She was an amazing weaver and many people came from all around to see her weaving skills. Some even asked if Athena, the goddess of wisdom and battle taught her these skills. When Athena heard this, she became furious. People thought that Arachne's, a mortal's weaving was better than hers! She became so mad, she turned into an old woman, and warned Arachne that even though her work was worthy of the gods, she was not above them. Athena(disguised as an old woman) asked Arachne if she would challenge Athena in a weaving contest. Without hesitation, Arachne said that she would gladly have a weaving contest with Athena, for she was confident that her weaving was better. Athena turned back into her normal Goddess self, and started the competition with Arachne. Both of them started their work. After a long weaving contest, Athena noticed that Arachne's weave was better than hers. She was so angry that a mortal had flawless capestries, and they were better than hers, a Gods'. She tore the capestries apart with fury, and magically turned Arachne into a spider. Arachne would live her life for eternity weaving her beautiful webs.