In Greek mythology, the character punished by being turned into a spider is Arachne. A talented weaver, Arachne challenged the goddess Athena to a contest, displaying hubris by believing she could surpass the divine's skill. After Arachne's defeat, Athena transformed her into a spider as a punishment for her arrogance. This myth underscores themes of hubris, artistic rivalry, and the divine consequences of challenging the gods in Greek lore.