Festival 42

Spanish mythology is full of creatures of all kinds, from werewolves to ogres, even demons. This rich tradition has acted as a breeding ground for stories, reaching current fiction. Some fantasy authors have immersed themselves in the folklore of different regions and incorporated it into their work. Luis Mario, for example, combines Cantabrian mythology and folklore in his latest novel, Calabobos (Reservoir Books). Concepción Perea, meanwhile, has returned to Terralinde in her latest work, Conjura de otoño (Alianza Editorial), and Javier Prado has become an expert in mythology, folklore and legends, with books such as Monstruos ibéricos: Ogros y asustaniños españoles (Maldragón Editorial). All three authors – as well as the master of grimdark,  Carlos di Urarte, who has just published his latest successful novel, Salitre y cenizas (Transbordador) – will be moderated by the fantasy expert and regular at Sui Generis Madrid, David Hidalgo, who will lead a conversation on the appeal of mythological creatures and what they can bring to fiction today.