Shapeshifting or transformation fiction is a genre in fiction which deals with physical transformation, usually called shapeshifting. Some of the more popular themes being werewolves, vampires, and age regression. It also may involve shrinking or growing in size.
Transformation in this regard is physical, as opposed to mental or personality, since in many fictions a character develops, transforms or changes, thoughout the story.
Psychology of transformation fiction
Transformation fiction (TF fiction) tends towards the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres, though examples show up in other genres as well.
Sci-fi TF fiction tends to feed a sense of discovery and suggest the unlocking of potential. This may be an analogy for the idealization of the experience of a teenager who discovers that puberty has changed his body, including increased strength and physical ability. Jack L. Chalker's Wellworld series is an example of this sort. A planet exists, populated by hundreds of different species, each in its own area, and visitors become residents by being forcibly transformed at the polar control areas.
Fantasy TF fiction is often mystical or dynamic, focusing on the change of the person's identity when transformed. This may be an analogy for learning to take a different perspective. Patricia A. McKillip's Riddlemaster of Hed series includes transformations of wizards into mountain sheep, ancient trees, ravens, and even the wind; each change leaves its mark on the essence of the wizard who transforms.
Horror transformation captures a feeling of fear, of people suddenly becoming monsters, of yourself becoming a monster, of things prowling in the night that used to be human. This is possibly an analogy for emotions that are so strong, they rip away one's rationality and leave one a beast. An American Werewolf in London is a perfect example; a young man is bitten, and without his permission or desire, becomes a creature of darkness that exists to kill.
History of transformation fiction
Early
Transformation fiction has been around since the early Greeks in their mythology. Many of the Greek gods had the power of transformation, esp. Zeus who turned into many creatures including a swan and a bull.
Modern
Written fiction with tranformation
- Piers Anthony's Xanth series features a magician prince, Dolph, who can transform at will.
- Anne Rice's novels features vampire characters who have transformation ability.
- The Transformation Stories Archive features fantasy and science fiction by amateur authors.
- The novel Changeling in the series of books based on the table-top game Shadowrun feautures a teenager who morphs into a troll upon puberty and how he comes to terms with his new self
Television
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