These particularly evolved individuals often take on the role of some sort of shaman in various cultures.
Commonly, shamans are revered for their wisdom, healing capabilities, and powers of premonition, all possible because of their dual form abilities. Even though the actual job description of shamans varies depending on the culture, they are considered valuable and, in many cases, irreplaceable members of a society.
Shamans are known to take on transformative forms in rituals for many reasons, but it appears to be widely believed that they can alter their state of consciousness and interact with the supernatural world. It is believed that without the gift of transformation—often brought on by the use of certain drugs or mental/physical rituals—these shamans would not be able to achieve the necessary level of enlightenment.
Tales of shapeshifting could go on forever, just as could the tales of countless mythologies. Regardless, the ability to shapeshift has long spanned time as the belief in people with supernatural capabilities usually brought on by some kind of mystical or magical instigator.
Undoubtedly these beliefs will continue to evolve as time goes on, as they have since the days of Grecian werewolves. As the belief seems to have begun thousands of years before the written language, it appears that these views will also endure the passage of time.
Source: Ancient Origins by Riley Winters
Image: A woman capable of shapeshifting into various animals
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