Protean
PROH-tee-un
1: of or resembling Proteus in
having a varied nature or ability to assume different forms
2: displaying great diversity or variety:
versatile
Proteus was the original master
of disguise. According to Greek mythology, the grizzled old shepherd of
Poseidon's sea creatures possessed the gift of prophecy but didn't like to
share his knowledge. Proteus would escape those who wanted to question him by
changing his shape. The only way to get a straight answer from him was to sneak
up behind him during his midday nap and hold onto him (while he frantically
changed from shape to shape) until he eventually revealed what he knew. The
adjective protean describes anyone or anything that is as mutable and adaptable
as the mythological sea-shepherd.