Although there are many interpretations to the myth about Arachne's origins, at its essence it depicts the struggle between a rebel and an oppressive power. While the myth is ancient Greek, the most earliest account comes from Ancient Rome, where it was recorded by Ovid during the reign of Augustus.
Ovid's retelling of the myth
Ovid's telling of Arachne's story is a poetic metaphor for artistic talent and censorship. Arachne's story shows how the Roman government suppressed and censored the arts. Ovid was an exiled poet. His tapestry story could be a reflection of his frustration at not being able reach a larger audience.
Ovid's parallels to arachne
The story of Arachne was written in the first century AD by the Roman poet Ovid. It is part of the Metamorphoses collection, which compiles old stories about magical transformation. While the story may be an imitation of earlier forms, it shows that Ovid had a unique perspective. Ovid may even have included parts of his own personality in the story. Arachne is a young Lydian woman whose father was a talented dyer. He created purple cloth and wool, and made beautiful tapestries out of the rich fleece.
Athena's reaction to arachne's tapestry
Athena's reaction to Arachne's tapestry was to punish her for her betrayal. She rented her tapestry to the Mygdonia goddess, and she put her hand on Arachne's head, filling her with guilt. As a result, she fled the contest and workshop.
Minerva's response on arachne’s tapestry
Minerva's response is a powerful symbol to divine exploitation. The tapestry displays a series of crimes committed by the gods to human beings. Minerva becomes upset, and tears down Arachne's tapestry in an effort to hang her. Arachne is struck with her shuttle, a wooden tool that held a spool. Arachne is transformed into a spider after the tapestry has been destroyed.
Athena's response to arachne's tapestry
Arachne was the tapestry's recipient in the ancient Greek mythology. Athena's reply to Arachne shows that Athens was named following her. It depicts scenes from the gods and their powers and was made using only the best grasses. Athena herself was depicted in armor with a spear and shield. Zeus and twelve Olympian gods surround her. Athena is admired by Zeus, who is in the middle.
Ovid's criticisms of arachne’s tapestry
Ovid describes Arachne weaving in the Metamorphoses. Ovid gives a detailed description of the weaving, which was beautiful art. Ovid appears to be upset at the Roman government's attempts to censor his artwork. This could be a sign of his disapproval for Augustus' tactics.