Shifting shapes and unknown spirits at play on the borders of the human imagination: a critical reading of <i>the serpent-woman</i>

Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to determine if the main character a shapeshifter and, so, how does tale contribute shapeshifting lore. Design/methodology/approach focus confined version that appears in Jane Yolen's Folktales From Around World (1986) and on summaries other versions tales when needed. Support for findings provided by an examination observations rhetorical techniques employed what be unreliable narrator selected knowledge practices from variety academic disciplines. Findings research neither confirm nor deny or not shapeshifter. Research limitations/implications Instead, critical reading confirms traditional characterization folktales as coming diverse folk roots disappearing changing they circulate through geographical space narrative time. Practical implications It also implies has outgrown its practical social now extends far beyond literary folktales. Social By bringing light racial gender fears, ignorance emotional physical violence lurk just below surface society which serpent-woman emerges, creates haunting vision embedded biases many societies. Originality/value To author's knowledge, first appear publication. need further investigation.