Which creature is commonly linked to the narrative of arachnophobia in Greek mythology?

The connection between arachnophobia and the narrative surrounding Arachne in Greek mythology is pivotal. Arachne was a talented mortal weaver who boasted about her skills, claiming they were superior to those of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and crafts. This challenge led to a weaving contest between the two. Arachne’s work depicted the flaws of the gods, infuriating Athena. As a punishment for her hubris, Athena transformed Arachne into a spider, thus connecting her name etymologically to “arachnid,” the class of joint-legged invertebrates that includes spiders. This transformation into a spider serves as the origin of the fear of spiders, known as arachnophobia.

The other creatures listed do not share a similar association with arachnophobia. Scorpions, while also feared, are not central to the myth of Arachne. Medusa, known for her petrifying gaze, does evoke fear but is not related to spiders or weaving in myth. The Sphinx is a creature linked to riddles and mystery, but no direct connection exists between it and the fear of spiders. Thus, Arachne stands out as the correct choice, embodying the myth that gives rise to the term arachnophobia