The author quotes myth and fairy-tale dealing with metamorphosis. Shape shifting belongs to the sphere of magic and the gods. Most of the examples deal with transformations of humans into animals and vice versa. Metamorphosis often deals with sexual phenomena and symbols, reproduction by splitting in two, impregnation, and resurrection after death. The author states that metamorphosis reflects the most essential attributes of the primary process, namely the motility of all cathexis. The resemblance of myth to dream indicates the dream origin of many myths. Symbol usage in metamorphosis and myth is considered another instance of the primary process.