Today I decided to retell the myth of Athena and Arachne and I thought I'd share the story with you. For those who have never heard the myth, I'd recommend Googling it because I am not good at explaining things. Without further ado, here's the story!: ------------------------------------------- Athena throws open the large golden doors, dragging me behind her. I open my eyes only to be blinded by the radiant beams of light shining on the marble floor. I close them. The metal net I am encased in scrapes the marble, making a hideous sound that is familiar only to myself. I can feel the gaze of the powerful deities before me bore into the back of my head, a familiar feeling. One I can never ignore. “My quest has been successful!”“ Athena’s voice booms, voice echoing throughout the great throne room. “I have found Arachne and brought her to you.” I squint, and my eyes finally adjust to the brightness of the room, and I begin to see the great, shining thrones the Olympian's sit on. The metal net digs into my leg, leaving a trail of red on the white marble floor. Athena grabs part of the net and throws me into the middle of the room. My head hits the floor hard and a sharp pain rushes through my entire body. I scramble in the net looking for a way out, but I can't find one. Even if I did, I wouldn’t be able to escape Mount Olympus. “We should throw her into Tartarus for her crimes!” Athena shouts. “Crimes?” An unfamiliar voice asks. Silvery, almost sweet. Vain. One like I used to have. My breathing is slow but heavy. I tilt my head slightly upward to glance at their dignified, glorious faces. All of them are calm and pensive. Athena straightens. “Her pride was profound!” she says, her powerful voice echoing throughout the room. She looks down at me, eyes full of spite. Her voice becomes quiet. “Assuming us gods are untouchable.” There is quiet. “WHAT HINDERS YOU ALL?!“ She screams. Where light used to be shining there are now shadows. I am encased in darkness and I hear thunder crack. Storm manipulation, one of Zeus’ many abilities as king of the gods. Perhaps subconscious, perhaps another reminder of his power. That doesn't matter. I need to bargain for my life before something happens. I rack my brain. I can only do one thing. One thing that will never work. I have to try. “That is not the truth!” I shout, voice desperate. I watch as the Olympians lean slightly forward. “Oh, really?” Apollo asks with a mischievous grin. “I’d love to hear.” He seems amused, Interested in what I have to say. Yet he thinks I’m lying. I wish I was. I wouldn’t be what I am now. “I created that tapestry you display so proudly, not Athena.” I say. “She was enraged by my talent, so she created a tapestry she knew would offend you. She switched them and accused me of creating it.” Aphrodite gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. “LIES!” Athena screams. “HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE ME OF THIS! CLAIMING MY WORK TO BE YOURS!” I lay my head on the cold floor and close my eyes. My head is throbbing, so painful I can hardly think. My body is covered in bruises and stinging cut$. My leg is slowly seeping bl00d into a puddle of red. I feel weak and helpless. Athena strikes my back, a blow that nearly knocks me unconscious. My vision is red and blurry. “ODIOUS CREATURE! YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN SEE THE LIGHT OF DA-” “ENOUGH!” Shouts Hera. “You claim this to be false, yet it was your guilt that caused you to loosen the rope. Why would you have any if she had done as you say she has? If you had not cheated?” She did cheat. I think. My talent is the cause of her hatred. It wounded her pride. The only sound I hear is thunder. Even breathing is painful. I shudder as I slowly inhale and exhale. Athena has not responded. Perhaps she cannot think of a believable answer. Maybe I have a chance. I open my eyes, my vision slightly cleared. I look into the eyes of the queen of the gods. They are hard, angry. Angry, she has not gotten an answer. Perhaps even wondering if Athena did lie. How she could be deceived for millennia by her. She stands. “ATHENA!” she screams. Still she gets no answer. “You lied.” There is nothing for her to say. Athena snaps and she disappears, at least for now. They’ll let me go. Incredulous. I think, but I don’t say anything. All I can do is breathe. It is easier now. “Stand, Arachne.” says Zeus. I raise my legs and try to push myself up. It is difficult inside the net. Hera snaps and the net vanishes. “You have been wronged.” She says. “I cannot change the past but you are now free.” I nod. I turn and start walking towards the doors, still shining. Then they fly open and a streak of something thin and the color of wood flies through the air. It hits me. Goes right through. We were guilty of the same thing: Hubris. Pride. But now she's back. And I will be gone.
The mysterious voice will be in part 2 of my new myth retellings + myths I made up..... tune in to figure out who they are
