Mythful Meanings

In the English language, many meanings come from myths. This blog considers many of those words.

Myths are stories people tell to explain the great mysteries of life, such as birth and death, why the sun rises and sets, and why the moon changes in a predictable pattern.

I decided to start over from the end of the alphabet and work toward the beginning. I have a stack of index cards with information typed on them, all in alphabetical order. When I started this blog, I started at A, because I didn't realize that all the entries would be pushed down.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Proteus

For both the ancient Greeks and Romans, Proteus was a god of the sea. He always spoke the truth, and he prophesied. If someone seized him, he changed shape, and could assume the shape of anything he chose.

English word: Our word Proteus refers to someone who easily changes appearance or principles. We also use the word protean for someone or something that easily assumes different shapes or forms.

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