There are many interpretations of the myth of Arachne, but it is essentially about the struggle between an oppressive authority and a 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 poetic allegory about censorship, artistic talent, and Arachne's tale is Ovid’s. Arachne's tale is a great example of the Roman government's suppression and censorship of the arts. Ovid was himself an exiled poet and his tapestry may reflect his frustration at not being able to reach a wider audience.
Ovid's analogies with arachne
Ovid, a Roman poet, wrote the story of Arachne in the first century AD. It is part of a collection called the Metamorphoses, which compiled old stories of magical transformation. Ovid may have adapted earlier stories, but the story shows his 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 reacts to arachne tapestry
Athena was furious at Arachne's tapestry and wanted to punish her. Arachne was so mad that she gave her tapestry to the Mygdonia goddess and put her hand on her head. She fled the contest and workshop as a result.
Minerva's response to arachne's tapestry
Minerva's reaction to Arachne’s tapestry represents powerful symbols of divine exploitation. The tapestry depicts the evils done by gods against humanity. Minerva becomes upset and tears down the tapestry, which Arachne had made in an attempt to hang herself. Arachne is then hit with her shuttle, which is a wooden device meant to hold a spool. Arachne turns into a Spider after the tapestry collapses.
Athena's response in kind to arachne’s tapestry
Arachne and Athena respond to Arachne in the ancient Greek mythology. This tapestry is why Athens is named after her. It depicts scenes from the gods and their powers and was made using only the best grasses. Athena was shown in armor, with a spear and shield. Zeus and twelve Olympian gods surround her. Athena is looking at Zeus from the middle.
Ovid's criticism of arachne's tapestry
Ovid describes Arachne’s weaving process in The Metamorphoses. Ovid gives a detailed description of the weaving, which was beautiful art. Ovid seems dissatisfied with the Roman government for trying and censor the artwork. This could be a symptom of his disapproval of Augustus' tactics.