I absolutely hate spiders. If they didn't kill the small flying pests, I’d destroy them all. Only the absolutely insane would adore such a mutant. With its eight legs, many eyes, and no bones. They are the definition of ugly, hideous, and horrendous. Yet, have you ever wondered why they were created? Why was such a creature made?
Legend says they are the descendants of a woman who dared to stand up to the gods. The woman was named Arachne.
Arachne had a beautiful talent for weaving. She was notably the best and said as much. It was impossible to find anyone who could prove her wrong. Therefore, Arachne held her head high, never being ashamed of her skill.
She continued her days practicing and sharing her love of weaving. It was at the peak of her skill where she made the declaration that she was the best weaver, better than even the goddess Minerva, who had originally taught mortals the craft.
Minerva heard this and immediately became livid. She felt that Arachne needed to be more humble and especially never place herself better than a goddess. Minerva’s solution was to give Arachne a chance to correct her mistake. She descended and disguised herself as an old lady. She approached Arachne. She told her that it’s fine to be proud of her skill but she shouldn’t let her pride lead her to believe that she is above the gods. Especially not, the goddess of weaving.
Arachne refused to thank Minerva in any way. She, instead, told the old woman that she had created a better product than what Minerva gave and if Minerva was a better weaver than she should come and prove her superiority.
Minerva then abandoned her disguise and assumed her typical regal attire. And said to Arachne that she stands before her and will happily challenge her to a contest.
Minerva’s tapestry had five stories portrayed on it. Each corner had a depiction of the gods punishing mortals who were too prideful. In the center, a representation of Minerva being chosen to watch over Athens.
Arachne chose from many stories of the gods abusing their power to deceive women. Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Dionysus, and Cronus all woven in her tapestry, committing their crimes against dozens of women.
Once both challengers were finished weaving, they showcased their works to the crowd that had formed around them. Minerva eyes laid on Arachne’s work, she became livid by Arachne’s audacity to not only shame the gods but to also do so in a more beautiful manner. Minerva took her shuttle, full of anger, and beat Arachne with it.
Arachne couldn’t take Minerva’s anger and decided to hang herself.
Minerva found Arachne’s body and took it down. She didn’t want Arachne's life to end so tragically, therefore she resurrected Arachne, though not without a catch. Minerva cursed Arachne and all her descendants to be the tiny creature we called spider.
