# Triton and Proteus explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## What happens

This chapter introduces Triton, the son of Neptune and Amphitrite, who serves as his father's trumpeter, and Proteus, another son of Neptune known for his wisdom, knowledge of the future, and ability to change his shape at will.

## Character check-ins

### Triton

Son of Neptune and Amphitrite, described as his father's trumpeter.

### Neptune

Father of Triton and Proteus, god of the sea.

### Proteus

Son of Neptune, a sea-elder known for wisdom, knowledge of the future, and shape-shifting ability.

## Key lines

> Triton was the son of Neptune and Amphitrite, and the poets make him his father’s trumpeter.

Triton, the offspring of Neptune and Amphitrite, is depicted by poets as the one who blows the trumpet for his father.

_Introduces Triton's role as a herald of the sea._

> Proteus was also a son of Neptune. He, like Nereus, is styled a sea-elder for his wisdom and knowledge of future events.

Proteus, another son of Neptune, is called a sea-elder because of his wisdom and ability to foresee the future, similar to Nereus.

_Highlights Proteus's prophetic wisdom._

> His peculiar power was that of changing his shape at will.

His unique ability was to transform his form whenever he wished.

_Describes Proteus's shape-shifting power._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/triton-and-proteus
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters