Forvandlingen

Forvandlingen is a term meaning transformation or metamorphosis in several Nordic languages, including Swedish, Danish and Norwegian. It is used to describe the process by which an object, organism, or state changes into another form. In biology, metamorphosis refers to developmental changes in certain animals, notably insects, amphibians, and some mollusks, often involving distinct life stages.

In literature, Forvandlingen is most commonly associated with Franz Kafka's novella Die Verwandlung, published in 1915. In Swedish, the work is titled Förvandlingen. The story centers on Gregor Samsa, who awakens one morning to find himself transformed into a large insect. What follows is a meditation on identity, alienation, and family dynamics, set in a bureaucratic, indifferent world. The novella is noted for its surreal premise, precise prose, and open-ended interpretation, and it is considered a foundational text of modernist and existential literature.

The concept has permeated broader culture, serving as a metaphor for personal, social, or psychological change. The title has also appeared in various adaptations, including stage productions and film, and has influenced discussions of transformation across philosophy, psychology, and art.