Transformation
The wonder tale and the fairy tale are, in essence, transformative narratives on transformation. On the one hand, both their narrative patterns and metatextual variations convey dynamics of change rather than a static framework; on the other, their themes hinge on processes of initiation and metamorphosis. thus the form and contents of wonder tales concur in conveying a transformational pattern of thought.
Greenwood encyclopaedia of folk tales & fairy tales edited by Donald Haase
p.982
I had hoped to have access to this wonderful 3 volume resource last year, finally in the National Library I get to see it in the flesh.
