Welcome to Derry Just Confirmed A Huge Stephen King Theory

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Although the backstory revealed for Pennywise in Welcome to Derry didn’t answer every question about the monster, it did confirm a popular theory among Stephen King fans. For years, readers of King’s novels have been curious about Pennywise’s true nature, and Welcome to Derry season 1, episode 4, finally provided some explanations for the creature’s origins.

From the very beginning of Welcome to Derry, when Pennywise transformed into an entire car full of people just to torment one victim, it was clear he’s far more than just a scary clown. The series has consistently suggested that Pennywise is an ancient, timeless evil – something that arrived on Earth ages and ages ago.

The fourth episode strongly suggests a connection: the final scene shows a young Dick Halloran using his psychic ability, ‘the Shining,’ to enter Taniel’s thoughts. What Dick discovers is a childhood story Taniel was told about a creature called ‘The Galloo,’ and it quickly becomes apparent that this creature is actually Pennywise.

Welcome To Derry Proves Pennywise Could Be A Wendigo

The story of the Galloo suggests that Pennywise might be a very old, mythical creature from Native American folklore – an idea Stephen King has subtly explored in his previous writings. In Welcome to Derry, Pennywise’s attacks aren’t just about killing; they also deeply traumatize those who witness them.

Pennywise doesn’t just kill his victims; he thrives on their negative emotions – not just from those who have died, but also from the fear and pain of those still alive. When children see what he does, they’re deeply traumatized, but the adults in town ignore it all, leaving them to cope on their own.

The connection between Pennywise and the Galloo myth, along with Taniel’s recollections, suggests Pennywise might be a type of Wendigo. In Native American folklore, the Wendigo is a dangerous spirit that can take over people, driving them to cannibalism because of an endless hunger. Beyond that, the Wendigo often symbolizes extreme selfishness and reckless consumption.

Taniel’s interpretation strongly suggests the Galloo is a Wendigo. It primarily preys on those who invaded America from Europe, becomes more powerful by consuming them, and thrives on negative emotions like fear and greed – all characteristics found in traditional Wendigo stories.

Welcome to Derry’s Galloo Links Up With Stephen King’s Pet Sematary

Pennywise grows stronger when people are miserable, which is why so many characters die in Welcome to Derry. He feeds on human suffering, and that suffering needs a town full of selfish and uncaring people to thrive. The arrival of the first European settlers was perfect for the Galloo, as it provided the negativity he needs.

The local people had learned to stay away from the monster’s forest, which kept its power in check. But when Europeans arrived, they didn’t respect this boundary and quickly became victims of the Galloo. Interestingly, the monster then began to disguise itself as the dead Europeans whenever it encountered a Native woman.

This is similar to how the Wendigo works in Stephen King’s novel Pet Sematary and its adaptations. In those stories, a Wendigo operates behind the scenes, subtly influencing people to use the pet sematary to bring back their loved ones, even though they understand that death is often preferable.

Similar to how Pennywise in Welcome to Derry and It gains power from the suffering of those it targets, the Wendigo in Pet Sematary thrives on the increasing sorrow of the family at the story’s heart. In both cases, those new to the town are ultimately defeated because they give in to the monster’s power.

Pennywise’s Potential Wendigo Origins Justify One Big It Twist

It now seems logical that Pennywise is finally overcome when his victims stop being afraid, considering the creature thrives on negative emotions and can only control people it truly frightens. Previously, the ending of It: Chapter 2 felt a bit unsatisfying, as it appeared all the characters needed to do was mock Pennywise to win.

The ending of the story feels more logical if you see Pennywise as a creature like a Wendigo. While he appears incredibly powerful, his abilities actually depend on how easily people accept his influence. In a town like Derry – filled with prejudice, corruption, and narrow-mindedness – it’s simple for this creature to make people feel defeated and without hope.

Leaving Derry not only allows the Loser’s Club to escape the monster, but also breaks its hold on them. If Pennywise is similar to the creature in Pet Sematary, it’s like that story’s main character choosing to move away and accept loss, instead of trying to cheat death by using the cursed burial ground.

Instead of being a traditional hero, King’s flawed protagonist gives in to temptation and repeatedly uses the pet cemetery to bring family members back to life, which only creates more problems. Likewise, in Welcome to Derry, Pennywise appears to grow stronger when his victims are in pain, almost like a creature that feeds on suffering, as seen in episode 4.

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2025-11-20 00:09