Who is the old woman in Arachne stotry?

In the story of Arachne from Ovid's "Metamorphoses," the old woman is often interpreted as the goddess Athena in disguise. She appears to Arachne to warn her against hubris and to encourage humility in her weaving skills. Arachne, however, dismisses the old woman's advice, leading to her eventual confrontation with Athena. This encounter highlights themes of pride, skill, and the consequences of defying the gods.