Arachne
Narrator 1: A long time ago in ancient Greece, there was a maiden by the name of Arachne who became very famous for her craftsmanship at weaving. Her father was skillful at dyeing wool into many beautiful colors. The two of them lived in a little village and both were famous for their work.
Arachne: Father, I love the colors of the wool that you have dyed today. My weaving though only makes your colors that much more beautiful. You are very fortunate to have my skills using your wool.
Father: Yes, you are correct in saying that it is your beautiful handiwork which only glorifies the colors of the wool. You work so hard though, don’t you think that you should rest and go have some fun? There must be other things to do besides weaving.
Arachne: Oh no, I must continue my weaving…this is what makes me famous. People from all over Greece will come to know me through my weaving. I cannot stop now.
Narrator: As the townspeople walked by their small cottage, they would peer through the windows and doorway to watch Arachne working at her loom; they were stunned by the quickness of her fingers.
Chorus: It is truly amazing to see her quick fingers fly over the threads. Surely Athena herself must have taught her. Who else would know the secret of such marvelous skills?
Narrator: Arachne was very pleased to hear the villagers compliment her work. She was indeed very proud of her skills. But it displeased her to think that some thought that a god must have taught her. One day while she was working, she heard the villagers say…
Chorus: This girl is very fortunate to have the gods teach her such fine skills. Her fingers are gifts from the gods.
Arachne: How dare you… with my own ten fingers I gained this skill. I practice each day from morning until night. I will not give Athena credit, because her skill is no better than mine own. Who could have better cloth than mine? I challenge Athena to show better weaving than mine own.
Narrator: Arachne had challenged Athena to a contest, perhaps without completely realizing what she had done. But Athena had heard her words and decided to teach her lesson. She disguised herself as an old woman and went to Arachne.
Athena: Reckless girl, how dare you claim to be equal to the immortal gods themselves? Take my advice and ask for forgiveness by Athena. You should be happy for the fame you have achieved; the best mortal weaver.
Arachne: Stupid old woman…who gave you the right to speak to me? You are just an old woman. If Athena resents my words, why doesn’t she come to me herself? I challenged her to a contest, but she never comes.
Narrator: Once Arachne had spoken her foolish words, the old woman changed into Athena right before her eyes. She was brilliant in her dazzling white robes and drew fear from all who witnessed even Arachne for moment. Once she regained her composure she spoke to the goddess.
Arachne: Come here Athena to this loom and I will take the other one. We will see who can produce the finer cloth.
Narrator: The two, Arachne and Athena sat down at their looms and began to produce their cloths. Athena was by far the quicker of the two. Each time that Arachne stole a look she would think to herself…
Arachne: I cannot believe how quick the goddess is…she is even faster than myself; how is that possible? I will teach her though.
Chorus: Look at the cloth that Athena is producing. She is telling a story with her pictures. Look I see the Olive tree…Athena’s favorite tree. Do you see the image of Poseidon and the battle for possession of the City of Athens. Is Athena trying to send a message to Arachne with her images of those mortals who tried to fight with gods only to die?
Athena: Whew….that was little time-consuming, but I see that I have finished before Arachne. Let me see what she is creating on her loom.
Narrator: As Athena began to look over Arachne’s work, she became infuriated with what she saw. Arachne was creating images of evil actions by the gods and their deceitfulness with mortals. Athena did not wait for Arachne to finish but went to the loom and ripped the cloth to pieces. She struck Arachne across the face.
Athena: How dare you insult the gods with your images! You are indeed a very foolish, stubborn girl!
Arachne: I will not live under this insult. I choose to die.
Narrator: Arachne attempted to grab a rope to place it about her neck in a noose. Athena would not have it though. She had a lesson for Arachne.
Athena: Live on, wicked girl. You and your descendants will continue to spin. Mortals will be reminded by your webs and know that it is not wise to challenge Athena and any gods.
Chorus: Arachne shriveled up into a spider, the spinner of webs. The Greeks learned that it is not wise to claim equality to the gods.