Many interpretations can be given to the myth of Arachne. But at its core, it represents the struggle between oppressive authority and rebel. Ovid during Augustus' reign recorded the myth in Ancient Rome. While it may be an ancient Greek myth, the earliest version is from Ancient Rome.
Ovid's version of the myth
Ovid's retelling of the tale of Arachne is a poetic allegory of censorship and artistic talent. Arachne's tale is a great example of the Roman government's suppression and censorship of 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
Ovid, a Roman poet, wrote the story of Arachne in the first century AD. It is part of the Metamorphoses collection, which compiles old stories about magical transformation. Ovid may have adapted earlier stories, but the story shows his unique perspective. Ovid may also have included elements of his own personality within the story. In the poem, Arachne is a young Lydian girl whose father was a skilled dyer. He made purple cloth and wool and beautiful tapestries from the fleece.
Athena's reaction on arachne’s tapestry
Athena's reaction at Arachne stealing her tapestry was to punish Arachne. Arachne rented her tapestry, and Athena put her hand on Arachne's forehead, causing her to feel guilty. She fled the contest and workshop as a result.
Minerva's response to arachne's tapestry
The response of Minerva to Arachne's tapestry is a powerful symbol of divine exploitation. The tapestry portrays the sins of gods against humans. Minerva gets upset and tears apart the tapestry Arachne made to hang herself. Arachne is then hit with her shuttle, which is a wooden device meant to hold a spool. The tapestry is destroyed and Arachne becomes a spider.
Athena's response on arachnes tapestry
Arachne was the tapestry's recipient in the ancient Greek mythology. Athena's reply to Arachne shows that Athens was named following her. The tapestry depicts scenes of gods and their power and was woven with only the best grass blades. Athena herself was depicted in armor with a spear and shield. Zeus, one of twelve Olympian gods, surrounds her. Athena's beauty is being admired by Zeus.
Ovid's critique of arachne’s tapestry
Ovid describes Arachne’s weaving in the Metamorphoses. Ovid provides a great description of this weaving, which Ovid considers beautiful art. Ovid seems angry with the Roman government because they tried to censor the artwork. This could be a sign of his disapproval for Augustus' tactics.