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Maturin is the overarching protagonist of the Stephen King multiverse.

He serves as the unseen overarching protagonist of the novel IT, its miniseries, and its film adaptations of the same name, and the overarching protagonist of The Dark Tower series. He is also a mentioned character of the novel 11/22/63 (novel).

He was the turtleĀ and one of the twelve Guardians of the Beams that held up the Dark Tower. Maturin guarded one end of the Beam that was guarded on the other end by Shardik.

Quick Answers

What role does Maturin the Turtle play in Stephen King's multiverse? toggle section
Maturin, the Turtle, is a pivotal character in Stephen King's multiverse. This ancient, enormous turtle is one of the 12 Guardians of the Beam, supporting the Dark Tower. Maturin, an interdimensional entity with divine attributes, is the unseen protagonist in the novel IT and its adaptations, and the Dark Tower series.
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How does Maturin the Turtle connect the novel IT and The Dark Tower series? toggle section
Maturin, the space turtle, is a crucial link between Stephen King's novel IT and The Dark Tower series. As one of the twelve Guardians, Maturin supports one end of the Beam that upholds the Dark Tower. This turtle from IT has an ancient appearance and predates the creation of the universe in King's novels. Although Maturin is a fundamental character in King's mythos, his connection is less explicit in the IT adaptations compared to The Dark Tower series.
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What is the significance of Maturin being a turtle in the Stephen King multiverse? toggle section
Maturin, the space turtle in Stephen King's multiverse, is a primordial entity predating the universe. As one of the 12 Guardians of the Beam, he serves as a god-like force of nature. Known for his wisdom and benevolence, Maturin often aids those in need. Despite being withdrawn into his shell, his turtle form symbolizes ancient wisdom and creation, elevating him to a divine status.
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What is the Beam that Maturin guards in The Dark Tower series? toggle section
Maturin, often referred to as the space turtle, is a guardian of one of the six Beams in The Dark Tower series. These Beams, metaphysical girders, uphold the Dark Tower at existence's center. Maturin and Shardik, the bear, jointly guard one Beam. These Beams, guarded by twelve Guardians, emerged from the Prim.
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Is Maturin considered a god in Stephen King's universe? toggle section
Maturin, also known as the Turtle, is an interdimensional entity and one of the 12 Guardians of the Beam in Stephen King's universe. This god-like force of nature existed prior to the creation of the mainstream universe in King's novels. Maturin resides in the Macroverse, displaying a kind, wise, and compassionate demeanor. However, other higher beings such as the Crimson King and Gan, the multiverse creator, also exist in this universe.
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Physical appearance[]

Maturin resembles an ethereal sea turtle made of cosmic energy.

Biography[]

A Turtle of massive size with an ancient appearance, Maturin existed long before the creation of the mainstream universe in Stephen King's novels. By nature, Maturin was kind, wise, loving, gentle, compassionate, benevolent, and had a very grandfather-like demeanor when he spoke to humans. Maturin was said to be constantly withdrawn into his shell, sleeping and rarely ever coming out for anything. One of the occasions that Maturin did come out of his shell was when he had a stomachache which caused him to vomit out the mainstream universe, after which he promptly retreated back into his shell. Because of that, ItĀ (a creature that existed in the void within the Macroverse and was an adversary of Maturin, also described by the latter as his "brother") considered the Turtle to be old, lazy, and stupid. However, given his vast amount of wisdom, power, and the aid, Maturin provided to those in need of it, It's perceptions of him seemed to be false.

In It, Maturin seemed to serve largely as a spectator to the events that unfolded in the battle between It and the Losers' Club. Maturin only involved himself and advised the young Bill Denbrough during the Ritual of Chüd in 1958, while Gan provided the Losers with most of their strength. Maturin initially politely introduced himself to Bill, and upon his plea for help simply stated that he ā€œtook no standā€ in the matters at hand. However, after considering his ā€œbrotherā€ with some disdain and contempt, Maturin swiftly provided great council and advice to the young man, assuring that It was ultimately afraid of Bill, human potential, and of the Turtle himself. Maturin ultimately urged Bill to battle the monstrous being with his willpower, mental strength, and internal faith and belief. With the Turtle’s encouragement and support; Bill overpowers and badly wounds It; forcing It into retreat. Before once again retreating into his colossal shell for another untold lengthy slumber, Maturin compliments Bill on his victory, but sagely cautions him to finish It off once and for all, as he may not get another opportunity to do so.

In the Novel[]

When the Losers faced It once again as adults 27 years later, It gleefully told Bill that Maturin was dead; having choked to death on a galaxy or two some time ago. When the Ritual of Chüd started again in 1985, Bill was presented with the gargantuan corpse of the Turtle, and saw to his horror that It did not lie.

IT (2017) and IT Chapter 2 (2019)[]

While Maturin does not make an appearance in either of the movies, there are allusions/nods to his existence in the films:

It (2017)

  • Beverly has a turtle sticker on one of her school books
  • Before Bill encounters IT in his flooded basement, he goes into Georgie's room and picks up a Lego turtle
  • When the kids are swimming in the quarry, they argue and attempt to look for a turtle under the water.

IT Chapter 2 (2019)

Personality[]

By nature, Maturin is kind and benevolent, having a very grandfather-like demeanor when speaking to humans. Maturin is said to be constantly withdrawn into his shell, sleeping and rarely ever coming out for anything. One of the occasions he did come out of his shell was when he had a stomachache which caused him to vomit out the mainstream universe, after which he promptly retreated back into his shell. Because of this, It (a creature that existed in the void within the Macroverse and was an adversary of Maturin) considered the turtle to be old, lazy, and stupid. However, given his vast amount of wisdom, power, and the aid he has provided to those in need of it, Its perceptions of the turtle seem to be false.

Gallery[]

Appearances[]

Trivia[]

  • Despite being one of the most important characters of the Stephen King mythos, Maturin was omitted in the TV mini-series of It.
  • It has been confirmed that Maturin will appear in the 2-part It adaptation, but won't have a clear connection as it did in The Dark Tower series.
  • An extinct species of turtle called Peltocephalus maturin found in the Amazon Rainforest was named after the character.
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