ABSTRACT
In Book VI of The Metamorphoses Ovid tells the story of Arachne, a subtle weaver of Lydia, too skillful for her own good. She dared to rival Pallas Athene with her superior artistry at the loom. Mortal and goddess engaged in a competition in which each wove splendid scenes into her tapestry. Athene represented the Immortals (including herself) as all-powerful figures of authority, while Arachne chose to weave tales of divine erotica into her web. When the work was done not even Athene's envy could deny the superior quality of Arachne's art. In her jealous rage the goddess struck through Arachne's loom and tore the tapestry. The girl, shamed and humiliated, hung herself, but the goddess restored her to life as a spider.
