When Shape Changes...

In the scientific nature of things, shapeshifting is impossible. To be able to switch from one form to another, to change significant characteristics of the body such as the DNA at once own whim is absurd, logically speaking.

However, despite our general agreement that shapeshifting will never happen anytime soon or at least until scientists discover a method of changing genetic constructions, we cannot help but notice that many literature has been written about this topic. Take for instance Beauty and the Beast. The Beast was a once a prince but was put under a spell and took the form of a hideous beast after refusing to offer shelter to a witch on a rainy day. The curse can only be broken once he finds his true love. So as ridiculous as shapeshifting may sound, it remains a subject that is intriguing, mystifying and elusive.

Shapeshift, as the term itself suggests, is the ability to take on a different physical form. It can happen when a human being changes into an animal or the other way round. It is also possible for one human being to take on the physical form of another human being. Mystique, a character from X-Men series, is a solid example of this. She switches from one body to another with ease in order to gain advantage in certain situation or to lure her victims into traps.

The process of shapeshifting varies. In some literature, the subject has two separate bodies and can easily take form of any one of them when and where he/she wishes. Apart from death which will result in the death of both forms, all injuries will not be carried from one form to another. Another form of shapeshifting is when the subject’s flesh forms over the top of the original. In some processes, the body may undergoes alteration such as expanding, peeling, stretching.

Shapeshifting, in some literature, is interpreted as a form of punishment. A shapeshifter is a victim of this cruel transformation which does allow him/her to appreciate the normality of life. They often find themselves alone and misunderstood because of their conditions. They are either alienated by the local community because of their defects or they may choose to isolate themselves as they are afraid of what others might think of them.

That aside, in other literature, be it myth, folklore, myths, science fiction or fantasy, shapeshifting is considered as a superhuman gift and a powerful gift. It allows the user to use this gifts for his/her own survival or to gain a better advantage in certain situation in order to achieve his/her aims, be it positive or negative. In Greek mythology, Zeus disguises himself as Artemis, a female nymph in order to befriend Callisto and tricks her into letting her guard down. When he is close enough to her to not allow to escape, he returns to his original form and rapes her. In this case, shapeshifting is used selfishly in order to achieve one’s own desire. It is not uncommon in many literature that revolves around shapeshifting.