Proteus is a minor sea god and was a servant of Poseidon. It was said that
he herded the watery sea flocks, most notably the seals. He was gifted with
the ability to change physical shape and form. If held onto long enough,
however, he was forced to assume his true shape and answer all his captor's
questions, but holding him was no easy task. Just as the Greek King, Menelaus,
hounded Proteus to share his prophecy, Socrates
must hound Euthyphro in an effort to get the answer
he seeks.