Shapeshifter

Synonyms:	metamorphous
See also:	Animagus, Animal Transformation, Bodyswap, Selkie, Were-Animal
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

A shapeshifter is a character who has the ability to physically transform their body into other forms at will. It is a trope widely used in works of all types, from visual to written media, and in both original and fannish works.

Etymology

Shapeshifter (antedating 1939), shapeshifting (antedating 1882), and shapeshift (antedating 1970) are all listed in the Science Fiction Citation project as science fiction terms.

Types of Shapeshifters

Shapeshifter abilities vary between characters and canons. Some shapeshifters are only capable of shifting between different human or humanoid forms. Others can shift into animal forms, sometimes including mythological animal; this ability is called therianthropy. Still others can shapeshift into inanimate objects.

Some shapeshifters can only shift between two forms; for example, werewolves can only be a wolf or a human, and selkies can only be a seal or a human. Others can shift between a wider variety of forms; an example would be the Animorphs.

Shapeshifters use their powers for a variety of purposes, such as impersonation, escape, combat, and so on.

Shifter is an abbreviation often used in Supernatural. They are a species of monster that can take the form of any human being.

Canon Examples

• The mythological god Loki (Norse Mythology) manages to assume different forms, being a character that transits between human and animal forms. He once took the form of a mare.
• Loki's Marvel and MCU counterparts are also shapeshifters, and so is the protagonist in the Marvel young adult novel Loki: Where Mischief Lies
• Zeus (Greek Mythology) has often assumed different human and animal forms in order to deceive beautiful ladies and young people whom he desired carnally
• the M-113 creature (aka Salt Vampire) is a character from The Man Trap (1966), the official debut episode of Star Trek: TOS
• Sam Merlotte, a reoccurring supporting character from the television series True Blood
• the Norris family is a clan of full-blooded werepanthers from True Blood
• Jason Stackhouse, another character from True Blood, is a bitten werepanther with the ability to transform into a half man, half panther at full moon
• Odo, a main character from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
• the alien shapeshifters known as Zygons are Doctor Who's antagonists in Terror of the Zygons (1975)
• Double Trouble, a supporting character in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
• the main characters in the children's literature and young adult book series Animorphs by K. A. Applegate (1996 - 2001)

Archives and Communities

• Shapeshifting tag on the AO3
• Shapeshifter keyword search at FF.net
• Recs tagged as Shapeshifting at Fancake

Links and Resources

• Wikipedia:Shapeshifting