Ovid's Metamorphoses: The meaning of the myth of Arachne

The myth of Arachne, which appears in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, reveals a lot about the view of women in myth as well as the cultural relationship between mortals and the gods. The first authoritative telling of the tale occurs primarily in the works of Ovid, who is also the only classical source of the myth, though Virgil refers to it in his work, Georgics. As such, Ovid’s account in Book VI of Metamorphoses is the standard account, and the way in which Ovid chooses to tell the story is widely regarded as an accurate representation of the original telling (Carter, 163). Arachne’s story depicts females as emotional, but complex, and demonstrates the equally complex relationships that mortals have with the gods.

Arachne’s portrayal is different from the usual portrayal of women in classic myth- rather than being a virginal victim or a jealous lover, Arachne is a boastful, confident (albeit foolish) example of a strong mortal woman.

Athena

Helmeted Athena holding the snake Erichthonios in ...

So-called "Velletri Pallas": Helmeted Athena. Marb...

By contrast, Athena’s behavior places her firmly in the “jealous” category, as she behaves in a pitiless and envious way towards her rival Arachne. The rivalry starts with Arachne, a very talented weaver, and her challenge to the bright-eyed goddess. As well as being the goddess of wisdom and war, Athena is interested in “women’s activities, particularly the domestic arts of spinning and weaving” (Harris & Platzner, 191), and has an affinity for it. Upon hearing of the bold request, the goddess takes the guise of an old woman and warns Arachne; "seek all the Fame you will among mortal men, but yield place to the goddess” (Ovid, 6.30). Arachne ignores the warnings and the challenge proceeds. Arachne weaves images of the “erotic affairs of the gods” (Luyster, 153). Athena, enraged, destroys the work and begins to beat Arachne. When the “terrified” girl tries...