Stories of Transformations

One of the oldest and most beautiful folktales is The Swan Maidens. In this story, a man is hunting ducks near a lake. He sees seven beautiful swans come to rest in the lake. But these were not ordinary swans. They were enchanted young women. They removed their robes of feathers and enjoyed bathing in the lake until dawn. The man was so captivated by their beauty that he took one of the feather robes and would not give it back. So the youngest and most beautiful of the swan maidens was compelled to go with him instead of flying away with her sisters. As often happens in stories, she falls in love with her captor and she marries him. They raise a family together and are happy. But when her feather robe is discovered, she puts it on and flies away. The man then proves his love by searching for her far and wide and passing several tests to win her back.

Another story about transformation is the legend of the silkies. These stories originate in northern Scotland. In most versions of this tale, a female seal comes onto the land to sing and dance. She removes her seal skin and takes on the form of a woman. Of course someone discovers the seal skin and hides it from her. Like the swan maiden she marries and raises a family, but when she finds the seal skin she returns to the sea.

Not all of the stories of transformation are about animals changing into women. There are male shape shifters in folklore as well. One of them is called a Leshie. This creature from Slavic lore is male and lives in the forest where it protects forest animals. It usually appears as a tall man with a beard of vines, a tail and horns. Sometimes it can look just like an ordinary man, but with glowing eyes. It is not necessarily an evil creature but it can cause some trouble when it feels mischievous.

These folktales are entertaining but are also symbolic.  They show that people are both good and bad, and that love requires sacrifice.  I hope you wenjoy reading these stories of transformation.  Maybe you will write one of your own.