Shapeshifters

The ability to change shape at will sounds like magic — but what's the science behind it?

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Werewolves. Vampires. Mystique from the X-Men comics. Stories of shapeshifting creatures have existed for thousands of years. Some people still believe in shapeshifters, but is changing from one form to another really possible?

Early myths

Shapeshifting is a common theme in myths and fairy tales, often associated with magic and witchcraft. In the Harry Potter stories, Professor McGonagall can become a cat and Sirius Black changes into a dog. Eustace Scrubb in The Chronicles of Narnia is turned into a dragon as a punishment for being greedy.

Native American Navajo people tell scary tales of “skinwalkers” — witches who can turn into animals. They are thought to have powers of mind control and super-speed, as well as the ability to turn into animals such as coyotes. They are so feared that people use a variety of rituals for protection.

In mythology, transforming one's physical shape is often used as a way to gain power or hide from enemies. Gods such as Zeus and Loki could change shape and take different forms. Some shapeshifters are tricksters, like the Japanese fox spirits or “kitsune” who disguise themselves as humans.