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The Weaver's Destiny

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The Weaver's Destiny Name: Date: The Weaver's Destiny Characters Arachne - a shepherd's daughter Old Shepherd - Arachne's father Athena - Goddess of Wisdom Hecate - Goddess of Magic Zeus - God of the Olympians A crowd Scene 1 (Outside a shepherd's cottage on a hillside, a young woman sits at a basic loom, weaving precisely, happily and industriously. Even to the untrained eye, it is obvious that she is very talented. She lives to weave and is most comfortable when working at her loom. Her father, the old shepherd, comes out of the cottage and approaches her.) OLD SHEPHERD: Ah, there you are my child. I have been looking for you, but I should have known you'd be here, weaving at your loom. ARACHNE: Hello father. Yes, I'm here again. Can I help you with something? Are you hungry? OLD SHEPHERD: No, no, my child, you continue with your work. Although, you should take a break if you've been working for a long time. Are you hungry? I could get you something to eat. How about some bread and cheese? As you know, we've never been wealthy and our lifestyle has been a simple one. However, I've been blessed to have you as my daughter. We've managed to sell some of your beautiful creations, and we are no longer so poor. ARACHNE: There is no need to thank me, father. I'm just happy to be able to weave every day. OLD SHEPHERD: (Looking in the distance) It looks like more people are on their way here to visit us and to see you at work. I am happy for you, Arachne, but I also worry. Your skills and your ability have caught the attention of many others. I worry that other people's interest may bring you misfortune. You must remember to cherish your talent and show humility when people praise you. ARACHNE: I will father, I will. But I do want people to know how good I am. Name: Date: Scene 2 The Goddess Athena approaches the cottage but is unseen by Arachne and her father. ATHENA: (Aside)There she is, the one who has meant to have superpower when she weaves. The one who can create beauty. I heard so much about her I decided to come and see this artist in person. It's best that I disguise myself as an old lady so that I can witness her as she is. Athena transforms herself into an old lady. The old lady approaches the old shepherd outside his cottage. Arachne sits in the same position as before, still busy weaving. ATHENA: Are you the old shepherd? I have heard about your daughter, and I've come to see her incredible gift inaction. OLD SHEPHERD: Of course! Welcome. Arachne, this old lady has heard of your talents and would like to watch you work. ARACHNE: Of course. She isn't the first and she won't be the last. OLD SHEPHERD: (Sharply)Arachne! Don't be boastful! Athena approaches Arachne and looks at the woven cloth around her feet. She is amazed and can't disguise her admiration for Arachne's work. ATHENA: This is incredible! It's so beautiful and skillful. And yet you are so young. Where did you learn to weave like this? Did your father teach you? ARACHNE: I love my father dearly, and he has always looked after me.However, I was born with my talent, and I have nurtured it. ATHENA: But this can't be true! That someone so young could create such art! Who taught you? Did one of the Gods assist you? ARACHNE: The Gods? Don't make me laugh. What have they ever done for poor people like us? OLD SHEPHERD: Arachne! Don't say something you will regret! Name: Date: Scene 3 A crowd of excited people stand around Athena (no longer in disguise) and Arachne, who are both sitting at looms. The crowd includes simple village people, as well as the Gods, Zeus and Hecate. The old shepherd stands nervously. ATHENA: (Angrily) You have all come here because you have heard about the contest between Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, and this shepherd's daughter. A contest to find the best weaver. I came to see her talent, and she dared to insult me. Now she will pay. ARACHNE: (Anxiously, but confident) I was wrong to boast, but I am confident I will win this competition. I want only one thing in life, and that is to weave. ATHENA: Your wish may come true ... ZEUS: Let the competition begin! The crowd watch in wonder as both Arachne and Athena work swiftly at their looms. Gradually, the crowd begins to wander away from Athena to admire Arachne's work. OLD SHEPHERD: (Excitedly) It's clear. Arachne is the best! ZEUS: I agree. But what stories have they created? Athena's cloth shows the power of the Gods as they punish humans for their pride. Arachne's cloth tells a differents tory, a story of the Gods misusing their powers! (Athena is furious) ATHENA: That is an insult! She must be taught a lesson! ARACHNE: But I won! ATHENA: Yes, and you shall have your prize. You shall be able to weave forever! Hecate - the poison please! (Athena grabs Arachne. Hecate hands Athena a small vial of poison. She pours it on Arachne. The crowd gasps as Arachne shrinks and becomes a spider.) OLD SHEPHERD: Arachne! (To Athena) Why have you done this? ATHENA: She has her wish. She can weave forever. This will teach others not to dare compare themselves to the Gods. The End .
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