Transmogrification

Transmogrification is a term often used to define a change in state (usually from human to animal and vice versa; also referred to as shapeshifting; shapeshifting to the form of a different species is specifically known as "lycanthropy") and is frequently used in association with myths and legends pertaining to such creatures as werewolves and vampires. Shapeshifters appear in many fantasy and science fiction stories. In the story of Puss in Boots, the hero (a cat) tricks an ogre into becoming a mouse; he then eats it.

Notable Shapeshifters

• Odo (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
• The T-1000 (Terminator 2)

Transmogrification is a theme used several times in the Jerry Cornelius stories. The word has been popularized by the Transmogrifier used in Calvin and Hobbes.

See also: The Metamorphosis