Explore the components of Higgs bundle moduli spaces and their evolution since Hitchin's groundbreaking papers in this 48-minute lecture by Steven Bradlow from the University of Illinois. Delve into the legacy of Hitchin's ideas, introduced over thirty years ago, and their continued influence on modern mathematics. Examine the definition of Higgs bundles on Riemann surfaces and the remarkable features of their moduli spaces. Survey the advancements made in understanding these components since Hitchin's initial work, highlighting how his pioneering techniques and concepts continue to yield new insights in the field.