What is Shape Shifting?

Shape shifting is a spell we cast upon ourselves when we want to trick our minds for one purpose or another. So-called method actors are great examples of shape-shifting magic. An effective method actor attempts to fool their mind into believing that they actually are the character they are meant to portray. Like that, the state of semi-control we have in our dreams. Shapeshifting has been used in cultures all over the world for purposes including examining one’s psyche, a person might identify with a spirit animal, and draw energy from the romanticised vision of that animal. Hunters might summon the will to fight by channelling the Spirit of the wolf or some such.

Can one merge into the body of any animal, plant, rock, water, or into anything else one may choke and change from? Yes, it’s possible, and I have witnessed it live in the polyandrous tract of Jaunsar Bawar in Uttarakhand and elsewhere. Shape shifters and shape shifting have been an integral part of folklore, myths, religions, and literature all over the world since time immemorial. The mythical realm.com lists no less than 44 different types of shape shifters in the mythical history of countries worldwide. The most common form of shape-shifting myths is that of therianthropy, which is the transformation of a human being into an animal or, conversely, of an animal into human form. Legends allow for transformations into plants and objects, and the assumption of another Human countenance.

Shape shifting can be defined as the alteration in form or substance of any animate object. There seems to be no limit to the kinds of objects susceptible to such alteration; examples abound of the shape-shifting in plants, animals, humans, and gods. Shape shifting can be caused either by the object changed or by an external force; it can occur for good or for ill and for reasons simple or profound. Shape-shifting is found in essentially every religion and mythological tradition. By no means is it a phenomenon restricted to unsophisticated cultures, remote in. History and geography from the dominant civilizations. An enduring fascination with shape-shifting is easily detected in modern popular culture as well as in the major religions. Comic Book and cartoon characters such as Superman and Spider-Man are typical types of shape shifters.

The Famous Example from the Ramayana

In the Ramayana, the vanara Hanuman changes shape several times. For example, while he searches for the kidnapped Sita in Ravana's palaces on Lanka, he contracts himself to the size of a cat, so that he will not be detected by the enemy. Later on, he takes on the size of a mountain, blazing with radiance, to show his power to Sita.

The character transformation from maiden to demon - Surpanakha

When we think about the iconic characters from ancient Indian epics, surpanakha’s name often springs up. This enigmatic figure from Valmiki’s Ramayana is known not only for an audacious spirit but transformation into a demon. But how did she go from a scorned maiden to becoming the terrifying figure we sometimes think of? Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, was originally portrayed as a woman. She lived in the forest, doing what many do, dreaming of loved companionship, and the kind of acceptance that makes one feel the whole.

After seeing Rama and Lakshmana while they are in exile. It’s like the plot of a romance novel, but with a twist. Surpanakha, a maiden with an aspiration of love, meets Rama, a handsome prince. She immediately feels drawn to him, and that’s where trouble begins. After Rama turns her down, she doesn’t give up. She turns to Lakshmana, thinking he might be more amenable to her charms. But alas, she’s met with a familiar response. But harshly dismisses her as well. The rejection is not frustrating but humiliating. This is a pivotal moment for Surpanakha. Faced with rejection from both brothers, the initial beauty of Surpanakha begins to warp. It’s intriguing how our inner battles can manifest externally, isn’t it? Just as the people say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder; Surpanakha’s situation is the reflective opposite. This is where we witness Surpanakha’s metamorphosis from a naive maiden to a fearsome demoness. Driven by anger and hurt, she seeks out her brother Ravana and incites him to capture Sita, blaming Rama for her transformation. Here, she resembles a tragic hero turned villain, driven by emotions that everyone experiences at some point in life. Surpanakha’s transition into demonhood is not a solitary evolution; it’s also a reflection of societal themes. Her narrative prompts us to ponder how often fellow beings become the scapegoats for our unhealed wounds. This journey highlights the need for acknowledgement of Pain and rejection; without addressing these emotions, we may contribute to someone’s darker transformation. This has led to catastrophic events not just for her,  but also involving Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Ravana. It’s fascinating to consider how one person’s anguish can ripple out and affect an entire network of lives. Surpanakha becomes a catalyst for conflict, setting into motion a series of events that culminate in the battle between Rama and Ravana.

There are many types of shape shifting used for different purposes, such as strategic deception, seduction, trickery, crime, revenge, escape, immortalisation, revelation, liberation, and punishment. There are also shape shifters that seem to be existing in two realms at the same time, “who seem to be both human and animal or both deity and natural phenomenon.”

Shape shifting is a fascinating universal phenomenon to which no universal meaning can be applied.

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References:

• ttbook.org
• asia.si.edu