Pronunciation: [ˈaɹaknɪ] (IPA) 
The word "Arakne" is often misspelled as "Arachne," likely due to the similarity in pronunciation between the two. However, the correct spelling is "Arakne," which is derived from the Greek mythological figure of the same name. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Arakne" is /əˈrækni/, with the primary stress on the second syllable. This spelling reflects the Greek origin of the word, as well as the proper pronunciation in English.
Arakne is a noun that refers to a mythical creature or character often mentioned in Greek mythology. Arakne, also known as Arachne, is typically depicted as a skilled weaver who becomes the subject of a divine contest. According to legend, Arakne's exquisite weaving talent led her to challenge the goddess Athena (or sometimes it is referred to as Minerva) in a weaving competition.
In most variants of the myth, Arakne's hubris and pride provoke her to claim that her weaving skills are superior to those of the goddess herself. This infuriates Athena, and she accepts the challenge to teach Arakne a lesson. Both begin to weave intricate tapestries, but Athena's work inevitably captures the essence of divine skill and craftsmanship.
When confronted with Athena's masterpiece, Arakne is consumed by shame and anguish. Unable to bear the burden of defeat, she ultimately hangs herself, or, in some versions of the myth, Athena transforms her into a spider as a more merciful punishment, leaving her to endlessly weave intricate webs for eternity.
The story of Arakne often serves as a cautionary tale, warning against arrogance and the hubris of challenging the gods. It emphasizes the consequences of challenging divine superiority and serves as a reminder of the importance of humility.
The word "Arakne" is derived from the Greek mythological character "Arachne". In Greek mythology, Arachne was a talented weaver who boasted about her skills, claiming that she was better than the goddess Athena. As a punishment for her arrogance, Athena challenged her to a weaving contest. When Arachne's work proved to be exceptional, but also disrespectful towards the gods, Athena turned her into a spider. The Latin spelling of Arachne is "Aranea", which evolved into "Arakne" in several Romance languages.
