Arachne, in Greek mythology, a Lydian maiden, famous for her skill in weaving. She challenged Minerva, and wove a piece of cloth on which the amours of the gods were represented. This work was so faultless that Minerva, despairing of being able to excel it, tore it to shreds, whereupon Arachne hung herself. The goddess loosened the rope and saved the life of Arachne; but the rope was transformed into a cobweb, and the maiden into a spider (Gr. that insect which Minerva most hated.