queen lurline was well aware that the mimics' strange habit of changing their shapes was the least of their evil characteristics. much more dreadful was the power possessed by these creatures to steal the shapes of both mortals and immortals. a mimic accomplished this simply by casting himself on the shadow of his victim. instantly the mimic arose, a perfect double in outward appearance of the person whose shadow he had stolen. as for the unfortunate victim, he fell into a spell of enchantment, unable to move or speak, but conscious of all that was taking place about him.