The mythmaking of J.R.R. Tolkien, both the legends he drew from and the ones he created, specifically as regards his monsters and supernatural entities. He inspired elves and dwarves and even dragons for the 20th century – but from where did he draw his inspiration? Plus, jokes! And PowerPoint!

Opening entertainment by Heather Rand-McKay!

The history and meaning of the creatures of the Harry Potter franchise. Where do hippogriffs come from? Mythology doesn’t really have Norwegian Ridgeback Dragons – but what did Norwegian dragons look like? Do basilisk legends get weirder than in the books? (Spoiler: They sure do!) And werewolves, and house elves, and more besides! Wildly popular in its Shoreview Library and Phoenix Theater performances!