If you follow Greek mythology, you might be familiar with the story of Arachne, a talented weaver who, due to her pridefulness, is challenged to a weaving contest by the Goddess Athene – who is a Goddess of wisdom, self-mastery, self-determination, healing, handicrafts and war. After besting Arachne in the contest (she is a Goddess, after all), Athene then turns the unfortunate girl into a spider.
Barbara G. Walker, in her reference books about symbolism and myth, proposes that Arachne was actually a devout priestess of Athene and the more well-known story was an attempt by patriarchal writers to paint the Goddess as petty, jealous, and vindictive. I personally like this version better. 
Books by Barbara G. Walker