Metamorphoses: Book 6: Arachne Summary & Analysis

The Muses’ story makes Minerva realize that she also needs to demand praise from those who dare to deny her power. She thinks of Arachne, a girl who has become famous because of her artistry. However, Arachne claims to have become great at weaving all on her own without the help of Minerva—goddess of weaving. Arachne suggests a contest between herself and Minerva, confident that she will win.

Minerva disguises herself as an old woman and tells Arachne to pay tribute to Minerva. Arachne may be the best human weaver, but she isn’t better than Minerva. Arachne ignores the woman, telling her that she’s too old to give advice. Minerva then reveals her identity. Arachne blushes, but refuses to cancel the contest. Minerva and Arachne set up their looms and begin expertly weaving beautiful multi-colored wool.

Minerva weaves a tapestry that depicts the gods wielding their particular powers. In the center, she depicts herself producing olive trees while the gods watch, impressed. In two corners of the tapestry, she depicts two mountains that represent two mortals who once aspired to be Jupiter and Juno. In the other two corners, she depicts two women who competed with Juno and were turned into birds.

Arachne weaves a tapestry that depicts Jupiter kidnapping Europa in the disguise of a bull. She depicts many other women whom Jupiter kidnapped and raped by disguising himself to trick them. She depicts Neptune’s deceptions and affairs, and shows Apollo and Bacchus disguising themselves to overpower women. Not even the goddess of envy could have criticized Arachne’s skillful tapestry.

Furious at her rival’s success, Minerva rips up Arachne’s tapestry. She then fastens a halter around Arachne’s neck and suspends her in the air. She decides to spare Arachne’s life, but she turns her into a spider, forced to weave webs for the rest of her life.