Myth Series: Arachne

Arachne's name means "spider". She was a fine weaver who became so conceited of her skill as a weaver that she began claiming that her skill was greater than Athena's, the goddess of weaving.

Assuming the form of an old woman, she warned Arachne not to offend the gods. Arachne scoffed and wished for a weaving contest, so she could prove her skill. Athena dropped her disguise and the contest began.

Arachne's tapestry featured Zeus: Zeus being unfaithful with Leda, Europa and Danae. Even Athena admitted that Arachne's work was flawless, but was outraged at Arachne's disrespectful choice of subjects. Finally Athena destroyed her tapestry, and struck Arachne on the head. Arachne realized her folly and was crushed with shame. She ran off and hanged herself.

Athena took pity on Arachne. Sprinkling her with the juices of aconite, Athena loosened the rope, which became a cobweb, while Arachne herself was changed into a spider.

From: Wikipedia.org

Model: Petunia