Shapeshifter

Shapeshifter is a broad term for a being that can alter its physical form. In myths, folklore, and contemporary fantasy, shapeshifters may change appearance, size, or even species. Transformations can be voluntary or compelled by magic, curses, or biological mutation. Some shapeshifters retain memories of their other forms; others incur costs or risks when shifting. Forms may be limited to a set of shapes or nearly unlimited.

Shapeshifting appears across many cultures. In ancient Greek myth, Proteus and Loki are notable shapechangers. Norse, Celtic, and other traditions feature figures who assume animal or human forms. In Native American beliefs, skin-walkers are said to transform into animals; in East Asian folklore, kitsune and other fox spirits shapeshift into humans. The motif also appears in later mythologies and stories, often as a divine power, a hero’s gift, or a cunning trick.

In modern literature and media, shapeshifters are used to explore identity, disguise, and power. They may blend into human society, infiltrate groups, or transform for combat or escape. The trope spans genres such as urban fantasy, horror, and science fiction, frequently accompanied by rules governing shifting, limits on available forms, and costs or consequences of transformation. Popular examples include werewolves, shapechanging aliens, and metamorphic mutants within various fictional universes.

Related concepts include doppelgänger, metamorph, and mimicry, which overlap with but are not identical to shapeshifting.