IT: Welcome to Derry just revealed Pennywise’s cosmic origin in the most jaw-dropping way. Episode 4 aired on HBO Max on Nov. 16, 2025. Dick Hallorann uses his psychic powers to unravel an ancient mystery. The episode features 13 sacred shards hidden across Derry, Maine.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Pennywise is an extraterrestrial being. He crashed to Earth millions of years ago.
- Indigenous tribes created a mystical blade from his meteorite prison.
- War chief Sesqui and daughter Necani feature in a stunning flashback sequence.
- The House on Neibolt Street hides the old well leading to Pennywise’s sewer lair.
- Dick Hallorann uses his Shine ability to break through psychic shields violently.
What Happened: The Galloo Origin Revealed
Episode 4 titled “The Great Swirling Apparatus” takes viewers back millennia. Dick Hallorann enters young Taniel’s mind using his Shine psychic ability. He finds a room full of doors leading to ancient tribal memories. One door reveals the legend of the Galloo.
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The extended flashback shows Sesqui and Necani encountering a cosmic horror. Indigenous people had lived in balance with the creature for generations. They stayed out of the forbidden Western Wood where It resided. But white settlers disrupted this ancient pact by hunting those lands. Pennywise grew stronger and threatened to escape the region entirely.
The flashback culminates with a discovery that shocks viewers. Taniel reveals the path to thirteen sacred shards are hidden underground. These shards come from Pennywise’s original meteorite prison. They’re designed to cage him within the Derry area permanently. The final shot reveals these shards surround the iconic House on Neibolt Street.
“Follow the tunnels under the old well and you’ll find the pillars.”
Why This Matters: Bridging King’s Mythology
Stephen King fans are celebrating this episode for good reason. The show finally connects controversial new lore from IT: Chapter Two with King’s original novel. Viewers have long debated the implications of treating Pennywise as an alien entity. This episode validates that approach by grounding it in Indigenous wisdom.
The episode adds significant depth to King’s worldbuilding. King grew up in Bangor, Maine, the heart of Penobscot Country. The show credits this geography as inspiration for the novel’s hidden mythological engine. The production worked closely with Penobscot elder John Bear Mitchell. The authenticity shines through in every detail.
Kimberly Guerrero, who plays Rose, explained the significance. The show explores unresolved tribal trauma and the land’s memory itself. Pennywise represents colonial violence in supernatural form. Understanding Indigenous resistance recontextualizes the entire horror.
Episode Timeline & Critical Details
IT: Welcome to Derry premiered on Oct. 26, 2025 on HBO Max. New episodes release every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. The 8-episode first season continues through December. Episode 4 currently holds a 9.0/10 rating on IMDb from engaged fans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Episode Title | “The Great Swirling Apparatus of Our Planet’s Function” |
| Air Date | Nov. 16, 2025 on HBO Max |
| Runtime | Approximately 55 minutes |
| Setting | 1962 Derry & Ancient Indigenous Era |
| Key Flashback Cast | Morningstar Angeline, Kiawentiio |
| Streaming Platform | HBO Max, Hulu (with subscription) |
Critical reception has been extremely positive. IGN gave the episode a 9/10. Collider praised the visionary scope of the origin sequence. The episode doubled down on Stephen King’s 1907-set chapters. Chris Chalk‘s performance as Dick Hallorann impressed viewers with unsettling menace.
What To Watch For: The Sacred Shards War
Future episodes will likely focus on the military’s next move. Now that Dick Hallorann knows about the thirteen sacred shards, danger intensifies. The question becomes: will Colonel Evers attempt to remove them? Doing so could unleash Pennywise on the wider world.
- Watch for conflicts between Rose and Taniel protecting the shards.
- Lilly‘s role in defending the mystical barrier remains unclear.
- The House on Neibolt Street will become the show’s central location.
- More flashbacks to different 27-year cycles are coming soon.
- Expect flashbacks to 1930s and 1908 Derry before season finale.
The season has 8 episodes total. Episode 5 debuts on Nov. 23, 2025. Fans speculate the finale will bridge directly to Chapter One from 2017. Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise and serves as executive producer.
Is Episode 4 the Turning Point Horror Fans Needed?
Welcome to Derry started strong but faced criticism for pacing. Episode 3 disappointed some viewers with slow storytelling. But Episode 4 proves the show’s ambition matches its execution. The extended flashback sequence rivals prestige television cinematography and storytelling.
The show finally delivers on Stephen King’s cosmic horror premise fully. Viewers see Pennywise as an ageless destroyer, not just a clown. The Indigenous resistance angle adds thematic weight missing from the movies.
The real question: can the remaining episodes maintain this momentum? Or will it return to slower pacing? Will Episode 5 focus on character drama or supernatural threats? Stream Welcome to Derry now on HBO Max. What did you think of the Pennywise origin reveal?
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.