Mysterious Transformations
"Tales of the descent of certain families from water-beings of a magic character are very frequent...in the North. In Ireland such myths also occur sporadically. In Wales...the origin from a merman or a mermaids is often charges as a reproach upon unhappy people..." "...In Shetland the reverse is, or was, the case. There are descendents of Finns who are wont to boast of their origin, regarding themselves as favorites of Fortune".
Myths of Metaphysical Transformations
It should be noted that although most descriptions of seal to human transformations are physical, there are some which refer to metaphysical changes. Some stories of shamans or those with magical powers tell of them having the ability to leave their physical body in animal form. Stories say that they do it while sleeping or in a trance, and it’s said that it can be difficult to assume human form once again.