The Dark Tower

A billy-bumbler is a raccoon-dog-like creature native to Mid-World. Intelligent and capable of limited speech, billy-bumblers are loyal and perceptive. Oy, a beloved member of Roland’s ka-tet, is a billy-bumbler.

The Dark Tower is the axis of all existence, standing at the center of space and time. It holds together an infinite number of universes (including many of Stephen King’s other novels). The Tower is supported by six Beams, each guarded by animal totems. When the beams fall, reality collapses. Roland’s quest is to reach the Tower and prevent the collapse of all worlds.

End-World is the outermost region of Roland’s world, as well as the final region he must cross to reach the Tower. It is filled with mutants, broken lands, and spiritual trials.

A gunslinger is a member of an elite order from Gilead, trained in combat, honor, and a code similar to that of knights. Gunslingers are defenders of the White (the force of order and good). Roland Deschain is the last of them.

High Speech is an ancient, formal language spoken by gunslingers and the people of Mid-World. It is symbolic of tradition and nobility and is often used during oaths or sacred moments.

A central concept in the Dark Tower universe, ka is a mysterious force akin to destiny or fate. It guides people toward their purpose, often without their understanding.

A group bound together by ka. Members of a ka-tet share a spiritual connection and are fated to travel and act together. Roland’s ka-tet includes Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy.

Keystone Earth is a version of Earth where time flows normally. It is considered the “real” world (and is also known as Real World), as opposed to the many others that spin off from the Tower.