Arachne

ARAKHNE (or Arachne) was an arrogant girl from the Greek town of Kolophon in Lydia who once dared challenge the goddess Athena to a contest in weaving.

In the match Athena portrayed the gods seated in glory upon high thrones, while Arakhne represented them in the guise of animals chasing after mortal girls.

Athena was furious at her impiety and beat the girl with her shuttle, driving Arakhne to hang herself in despair. The goddess then transformed her into a spider (Greek arakhnês).