Why do monsters thrill and terrify us, and how have both they and we changed over time? This talk by author Nicholas Jubber embarks on a global journey through monster lore—from Cornish giants, Bavarian dragons, and Japanese oni, to the Louisiana werewolf. Starting with the monstrous gods of antiquity and traveling up to the present day, we’ll see how monsters offer a shadow history to our own, shaping foundational myths and distilling collective traumas. Far more than mere bug-eyed spectacles, monsters act as mirrors to our evolving humanity. Drawing on a wide range of sources and stories, Jubber explores what keeps monsters relevant and how they continue to evolve alongside us.