TED-ED: The myth of Arachne and Athena - Iseult Gillespie

The video explores the theme of shapeshifting in Greek mythology, focusing on the story of Arachne, a talented weaver who boasted that her skills surpassed those of the gods. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and crafts, challenged Arachne to a weaving contest. While Athena depicted the glory of the gods, Arachne's tapestry highlighted their flaws. Enraged by Arachne's superior and subversive work, Athena transformed her into a spider, marking the origin of spiders in mythology.

What was Arachne's main flaw that led to her downfall?

• Her lack of skill in weaving

• Her excessive pride and arrogance

• Her fear of the gods

• Her inability to work with others

How did Athena initially approach Arachne to address her arrogance?

• By sending a messenger

• By writing a letter

• By disguising herself as an old woman

• By appearing in her true form

What did Arachne's tapestry depict during the contest with Athena?

• The creation of the world

• The glory and power of the gods

• Scenes of nature and beauty

• The gods abusing their power and meddling in mortal lives

What was Athena's reaction to Arachne's tapestry?

• She decided to teach Arachne more weaving techniques

• She was enraged by the subversive content

• She was indifferent to the outcome

• She praised Arachne for her skill

What transformation did Arachne undergo as a result of Athena's anger?

• She became a bird

• She was turned into a tree

• She was transformed into a spider

• She was turned into stone