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Transformation in this regard is physical, as opposed to mental or personality, since in many fictions a character develops, transforms or changes, thoughout the story.

1 Psychology of transformation fiction

Transformation fiction (TF fiction) tends towards the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres, though examples show up in other genres as well.

Sci-fi TF fiction tends to feed a sense of discovery and suggest the unlocking of potential. This may be an analogy for the idealization of the experience of a teenager who discovers that puberty has changed his body, including increased strength and physical ability. Jack L. Chalker's Wellworld series is an example of this sort. A planet exists, populated by hundreds of different species, each in its own area, and visitors become residents by being forcibly transformed at the polar control areas.

Fantasy TF fiction is often mystical or dynamic, focusing on the change of the person's identity when transformed. This may be an analogy for learning to take a different perspective. Patricia A. McKillip's Riddlemaster of Hed series includes transformations of wizards into mountain sheep, ancient trees, ravens, and even the wind; each change leaves its mark on the essence of the wizard who transforms.

Horror transformation captures a feeling of fear, of people suddenly becoming monsters, of yourself becoming a monster, of things prowling in the night that used to be human. This is possibly an analogy for emotions that are so strong, they rip away one's rationality and leave one a beast. An American Werewolf in London is a perfect example; a young man is bitten, and without his permission or desire, becomes a creature of darkness that exists to kill.

2 History of transformation fiction

2.1 Early

Transformation fiction has been around since the early Greeks in their mythologyGreek mythology comprises the collected legends of Greek gods and goddesses and ancient heroes and heroines, originally created and spread within an oral-poetic tradition. Our surviving sources of mythology are either transcriptions of this spoken word, o. Many of the Greek gods had the power of transformation, esp. ZeusZeus Kronios (descendant of Cronus), or simply Zeus or Zdeus ( Greek ) or Dias (Greek ) ("divine king") is the leader of the gods and god of the sky and thunder in Greek mythology. Etymology Zeus is the continuation of Dyeus, the supreme god in Indo-Europ who turned into many creatures including a swanCygnus ''Coscoroba Swans are large water birds of the family Anatidae, which also includes geese and ducks. Swans are grouped with the closely related geese in the subfamily Anserinae. Swans usually mate for life, though "divorce" does sometimes occur, pa and a bull.

2.2 Modern

3 Written fiction with tranformation

• Piers Anthony's XanthXanth is a fantasy world created by author Piers Anthony, the setting of his eponymous series of novels; for which he has become popular. The series is noted for its punny and somewhat humorous style. The author's habit of using (and crediting) reader not series features a magician prince, Dolph, who can transform at will.
• Anne Rice's novels features vampire characters who have transformation ability.