When Apollo’s arrow strikes the wrestling brothers Phaedimus…

When Apollo’s arrow strikes the wrestling brothers Phaedimus and Tantalus simultaneously, the text records: “Each thought his backbone broken by the other. / With a single groan they collapsed, / Crumpling sideways.” What does this moment most powerfully convey about the nature of divine punishment in the myth?

Minerva approaches Arachne disguised as “an old woman / Pant…

Minerva approaches Arachne disguised as “an old woman / Panting and leaning on a stick” and advises her: “Give to mortals / The tapestries that make you / Famous and foremost among mortal weavers, / But give to the goddess / Your gratitude for the gift.” What does Minerva’s choice of disguise most significantly reveal about how divine power operates in this myth?