IT Chapter Two: What is Pennywise the clown? Origins explained

IT Chapter Two has now launched in cinemas. In the movie the origins of Pennywise the dancing clown is explored. So what actually is It?

**WARNING IT CHAPTER TWO SPOILERS**

What is Pennywise the dancing clown in IT Chapter Two?

As Mike Hanlon brings the group back together, he tells them a story of how to beat Pennywise.

He recalls a story of having met Native Americans who spoke of defeating the clown.

They revealed that, in trying to do this, they came together and performed a ritual, trapping the clown in a leather artefact.

The artefact seemed to accept Pennywise, which was not in the form of a clown but of three balls of light known as ‘deadlights.’

They chanted to ‘turn light into dark’ to force the light into the dark artefact.

In Stephen King’s original novel, Pennywise arrived on earth after originating in a void containing and surrounding the universe.

It claims its true name is Bob Gray, but can shapeshift and change forms, with Pennywise its most regularly seen form.

It comes back after its dormant state every 27 or 30 years, killing children throughout that time.

At one point the Losers Club believe it is female, though it is usually thought of as male, but by the end of the novel he is an enormous spider.

What is the plot of IT Chapter Two?

In IT Chapter Two, the Losers Club are brought back together to fight Pennywise after he strikes again.

Mike Hanlon, who has been living in the town of Derry while his former classmates have all left, calls them all to return after a spate of children abductions of murders in the town.

While few of the club can remember what happened to them, they are compelled to return and, discover they must find their memories in order to defeat the clown.

IT Chapter Two is in cinemas today