Ancient and modern body transformation

Slothrop — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 05:48:39 -0800

Anthro-Mytho-Socio-Filter: Help me connect body transformation examples such as Cuchulainn, Mazinga Z, and Michael Jackson... Basically, I'm constructing an essay about how a rather ancient desire (to be someone or something else more beautiful, more powerful, etc.) is creeping increasingly closer to being technologically possible (a la Michael Jackson). I'm particular interested in cultural examples of figures that are heroes or heroines (not necessarily in an action sense, but figures that are praised by a culture) for being beyond human.

So, 1) Please give any examples you would like to offer of mythological beyond humans (this should exclude dragons, unicorns, fairies, etc., as they were not human in origin) such as Cuchulainn, who transformed into a monster via "warp spasms." I place Transformers, and other Japanese robot people in this category as well. Again, it helps if these personae are human in origin or essence. Any culture can apply.

And slightly more importantly -
2) Please suggest anthropological, psychological, sociological texts that can provide official "scholarly" insight into these phenomenon. I'm sure anthropologists study body desire and transformation. I'm looking for how extreme examples, particularly those enshrined in myth, provide an insight into a particular cultural context. For example, Cuchulainn reflects the desires of pre-Medieval Irish men to be invincible in battle, as the Celtic people were constantly engaged in skirmish warfare with each other. Japanese robots reflect a conflicted relationship with technology, both in its potential to provide plenty and in its potential to destroy whole cities. I'd rather not blindly search "Body Transformation" in academic archives, and AskMefi provides a terrific blend of academic and other sources.

Thanks!

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Ancient and modern body transformation