What Is Pennywise?

Pennywise is one of the most iconic horror movie villains of the modern era. Made famous by the Stephen King novel IT, Pennywise is a shape-shifting monster who often takes the form of a murderous clown or a small child. This creature feeds off of fear and terrorizes children when they least expect it to. While Pennywise has been popularized in recent years, its origins stretch back centuries.

Pennywise’s History

Pennywise is a variation of a creature known as the “ffolkes’-imp” which dates back to the 19th century. This creature is an evil imp who was said to originate in England and would haunt children at night. The imp had one eye in the center of its forehead and would creep through windows and doorways in search of children to terrorize. Over time, this creature and its tactics of fear-mongering have been adapted by horror authors and filmmakers to create the Pennywise we know today.

What Pennywise Can Do

Pennywise’s (or the ‘ffolkes’-imp) powers are vast and varied. It can morph into any shape it pleases and often takes the form of whatever its target is most afraid of. It has physical superhuman strength and can also use illusions and implanting false memories in its victims. Furthermore, it can manipulate entire cities through nightmares and mental sickness. Its primary goal is to gain physical nourishment by feeding off of the fear of its victims, which is why it tends to target children.

Pennywise is one of the most recognizable horror movie villains in history. Its powers of fear mongering, shape-shifting, and mental manipulation make it a formidable opponent and its presence in pop-culture will continue to stand the test of time. Whether you love it or hate it, you cannot ignore the influence that Pennywise has had on horror culture.