Shape Shifters

[Goony]

Morphs, shape shifters, or whatever you want to call them have
been around for a while. I am talking about entities than can take
the form and shape of other beings. As far as 20th century sci-fi/fantasy is
concerned, where and when did it start?

 

[Ropie]

where and when did it start?

I'll kick off and suggest Gene Wolfe's Fifth Head of Cerberus from 1972. I'm sure there must be earlier examples than that...

 

[ArthurFrayn]

I'll point out a famous one -the alien in John W Campbell's short story Who Goes There?

But I suspect there have always been shapeshifters thoughout fantastic lit leading up into SF.
It all goes back to the god Proteus in Greek Myths.

 

[White Owl]

All si-fi comes from fantasy just in a diffrent viewpoint

 

[Drakonslair]

All si-fi comes from fantasy just in a diffrent viewpoint

Aye all tales about Vampires/Werewolves etc are shapeshifting ones. Its a very old them. Proteus would be a very early example. But I think even older than that there is a common belief among tribes about people being able to change into the form of animals. Shamans/Priest/Druidic type figures in particular.

 

[Goony]

Thank you all for your insightful remarks!

Great story "Who Goes There?" and a great classic indeed (I had
forgotten all aout it!). My copy of "The Best of John Campbell"
dates its publication in 1948, and the movie adaptation
"The Thing From Another World" came out in 1951. So, it is an
oldy and an original one.

Thanks again Puppet Master (He knows everything!!).

And another thanks to Ropie, one of my favorite posters who is
always so enthusiastic to answer other's questions.

 

[ArthurFrayn]

Thanks again Puppet Master .

Yer welcome.

(He knows everything!!)

I don't know about that, and there are loads of people who would tell you otherwise, but I do know I'm better informed since exchanging posts with the well read folks here at this forum.

 

[Ouroboros]

Falling more into the fantasy bracket, arguably, but Jack Williamson's 'Darker than you think' is certainly a classic shape-shifter story ... dates back to 1948.

 

[Ropie]

And another thanks to Ropie, one of my favorite posters who is always so enthusiastic to answer other's questions.

*aw, shucks*, thanks - maybe I should get out more

Thanks again Puppet Master (He knows everything!!)

He is a veritable mine of SF information, especially as regards excellent book titles!