Changelings

Abstract

According to folklore, changelings are the children of other creatures who are swapped in for human babies. In popular culture, the changeling either never was a child or never will be one again. Changelings disturb because they directly confront our assumptions about children being innocent and vulnerable as merely that—assumptions. However, because the changeling only looks like a child but is actually something very different, we can excuse any of its deviations from The Child as a result of its monstrosity. And if changelings are monsters, we can justify a bloody retaliation against them. Ultimately what changelings reveal is that being A Child is not much fun. Far more enjoyable to be a changeling. For this reason, the changeling has become a champion for children.