The Mediterranean Monk (Monachus monachus) seal is one of the rarest animals in the world. Its distinctive call was probably the inspiration for the "Sirens" of greek mythology and for the seals whose appearance Proteus adopted.
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Proteus was the old man of the sea from greek
mythology. A sort of elemental-god, he was
wise with knowledge of the past present and
future and could change his shape at will.
Like the sea itself, he was ever changing
and yet always the same. Proteus was also
the shepherd of Poseidon's seals and lay
among them, sometimes assuming their shape
and manner. The Mediterranean Monk (Monachus monachus) seal is one of the rarest animals in the world. Its distinctive call was probably the inspiration for the "Sirens" of greek mythology and for the seals whose appearance Proteus adopted. |