Transformation or metamorphosis from the Greek word metamorphosis is widely prevalent in the mythology, folklore, and various literary genres of diverse nations around the world. In this context, the genre of fairy tale stands out in particular, which, being closely connected with ancient mythological concepts, ritualistic beliefs, human spiritual activity, and the peculiarities of worldview, reveals early human perceptions of the world where beliefs regarding transformation hold a unique place.The motif of transformation, being one of the most widespread and well-known fairy-tale motifs, was expressed in the fairy tale world of one of the prominent figures of Armenian classical literature, also Ghazaros Aghayan. It was vividly manifested in the fairy tales Yeghegnouhi ‘Reed Maiden’ Zangi-Zrangi, Aregnazan or the Magical world, Kich el, kich el ‘a Little More, A Little More’, Odzamanuk and Are¬vahat ‘Snake-Child and Arevahat’, bringing color to the fairy tale text and serving for the development of the plot. Within the framework of this analysis, by studying the beliefs about the reciprocal and suggestive trans¬formations believed among humans, spiritized objects and animals of ancient times, and a number of rep¬re¬sen¬tations expressed in folklore and literary studies about transformation, we the opportunity to examine the creative world of Ghazaros Aghayan in a new way, to form a more in-depth understanding of the manifestation and functional significance of the motif of transformation within the framework of a literary text.

KeywordsGhazaros Agayan motif of transformation fairy tale function belief gender transformation otherworld initiation ritual punishment salvation.