In Greek mythology, the character famously turned into a spider is Arachne. A talented weaver, Arachne challenged the goddess Athena to a contest. When Arachne's work surpassed Athena's, the goddess, enraged by her hubris, transformed her into a spider as punishment. This myth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and defiance against the gods, illustrating themes of artistic expression and the consequences of exceeding one's place in the divine order.