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Check it Out: The Shape of Thing(s) that Bite

Submitted by B. Wood on

Mythology, legends, fantasy and science fiction all include shapeshifters, humans or other creatures able to shift between two or more forms. The Epic of Gilgamesh, often considered to be the oldest piece of written literature, hints at the gods changing their forms to interact with humans. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886, introduced us to a doctor who transforms into a monster after drinking a serum designed to suppress his baser impulses. In the TV show “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”, Odo, the head of station security, is a shapeshifter who can take many animate or inanimate forms. Many cultures have legends of beings who shift shape: In Greek and Roman mythology, gods and goddesses take human form. Navajo legends tell of skin-walkers, witches who can take animal form. The Japanese have tales of kitsune (fox-spirits), and the Celtic people have selkies (seal/human shapeshifters).

Of the humans who can change shape, werewolves are by far the most popular in fiction. Although the mythos changes from author to author, in general, werewolves are humans who, against their will, change into a savage wolf form during each full moon. Some maintain human sentience, while some do not. Most folklore holds that the only way to kill a werewolf is with bullets or blades made of silver. Although most shapeshifter series are geared toward romantasy, there are some that are older style fantasy or horror. Below is a list of shapeshifter books, movies and authors.

Nonfiction

Novels

DVDs

Shapeshifter Series and Authors

New at the Library

Fiction

Nonfiction

Children

Black and White Noir illustration of a face that's half human and half feline at a diagonal
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