shape-shifter, shape-changing, metamorphosis
The ability to change shape or appearance at will is an important mechanism in the myth and folklore of all the earth's peoples. Just as Zeus changed himself into a bull to seduce Europa, many Celtic deities and heroes take on different forms to suit their ends. Some of this may arise from the indistinct boundary between animals and anthropomorphic personae in Celtic religion. The older instances of shape-shifting by deities and heroes do not usually provoke fear or dread on the part of mere mortals, but the same practise by fairies and lesser supernatural figures, like the Scottish bòcan or Cornish spriggan, implies threat. Even more to be dreaded was the power of certain creatures, such as witches, to transform humans into animals. Deities noted for shape-shifting include: Angus Óg; Arawn; Cáer; the Mórrígan; Nodons; mortals: Cian; Cúchulainn; Étaín; Merlin; Mongán; Pwyll; Taliesin; Tuan mac Cairill; folk creatures: bòcan; each uisge; Eiddelig Gor; spriggan. Folk motifs: A1459; D610; F234.0.2.
