Shapeshifting may be used as a plot device, such as when Puss in Boots in the fairy tales tricks the ogre into becoming a mouse to be eaten. Shapeshifting may also include symbolic significance, like the Beast's transformation in Beauty and the Beast indicates Belle's ability to accept him...
Onedaycameastrangemaninabunting-suit,andofferedforfivehundredguilderstoridthetownofthevermin。Thepeopleagreed:whereuponthemantookoutapipeandpiped,andinstantlyalltheratsintown,inanarmywhichblackenedthefaceoftheearth,cameforthfromtheirhaunts,andfollowedthepiperuntilhepipedthemtotheriverWeser,wheretheyallsjumpedinand...