The Dark Tower: Todash Space Explained (July 2025 Guide)

In the vast and complex mythology of Stephen King's Dark Tower series, few concepts are as terrifying and fundamental as Todash Space. This endless void of darkness exists between universes, harboring unimaginable horrors that threaten to break through into our reality. As Mike Flanagan prepares to bring The Dark Tower to life in his upcoming adaptation, understanding Todash Space becomes crucial to grasping the epic scope of King's multiverse.
Table of Contents
The Dark Tower: What You Need to Know About Todash Space
Aspect | Description |
---|---|
Definition | A dimensionless void existing between alternate universes |
Inhabitants | Deadly monsters and eldritch creatures |
Access Methods | Going "todash," thinnies, doors, magical artifacts |
Dangers | Getting lost forever, being devoured by monsters |
Connected Works | IT, The Mist, From a Buick 8, The Tommyknockers |
Key Location | Door to Todash Darkness under Castle Discordia |
The Dark Tower: Todash Space
What Is Todash Space?
Todash Space is the void that exists between worlds. It is entirely dark and is filled with monsters. This isn't just any ordinary darkness – it's a primordial nothingness that predates creation itself, a place where the laws of physics and reality simply don't apply.
Think of Todash Space as the cosmic equivalent of the spaces between walls in a house – always dark, seemingly empty, but potentially crawling with things you'd rather not encounter. Within this nothingness, deadly monsters roam free. These aren't your typical monsters either; they're ancient beings that exist outside the normal flow of time and space.
The concept draws heavily from real-world theories about the multiverse. Just as physicists theorize about spaces between parallel universes, King has given form to this theoretical void – and filled it with nightmares.
The Science Behind the Horror
In recent years, the real-world idea of a possible multiverse has fascinated physicists, writers, and even paranormal enthusiasts. King masterfully takes this scientific concept and transforms it into pure horror. The void isn't just empty space; it's an active, malevolent dimension where consciousness can exist but shouldn't.
When someone enters Todash Space, they experience complete sensory deprivation – deaf and blind to everything except the approaching monsters. It's a fate worse than death, as victims remain conscious while stumbling through endless darkness until something finds and devours them.
Going Todash: Methods and Madness
What Does "Going Todash" Mean?
Todash is a place of being that exists between universes, and that a person travels through to get from one universe to another. The act of "going todash" refers to the dangerous process of transitioning between worlds, with the very real risk of becoming trapped in the void forever.
The Chimes of Doom
The todash state is usually accompanied by the "kammen" or chimes, which produce unpleasant or pleasant sound similar in effect to a thinny. These otherworldly sounds serve as both a warning and a gateway marker, indicating when reality is thin enough for crossing – or for something to break through.
Methods of Accessing Todash Space
Several ways exist to enter this terrifying realm:
- Natural Ability: Some rare individuals possess the power to go todash at will
- Magical Artifacts: Items like Maerlyn's Rainbow can facilitate todash travel
- Thinnies: Natural weak points between dimensions where reality wears thin
- Doors: Specifically constructed gateways, like the infamous one under Castle Discordia
- Accidents: Scientific experiments gone wrong (like the Arrowhead Project)
The Terrible Price
Going todash is very dangerous. It is possible to get stuck between worlds in the "todash darkness," from which there is no return. Even successful travelers risk bringing something back with them or leaving pieces of themselves behind in the void.
The Door to Todash Darkness in The Dark Tower
Castle Discordia's Dark Secret
There is also a door underneath Castle Discordia that leads to Todash Space. The Old Ones who made this door considered this to be a mistake This accidental creation became one of the most feared locations in all of Mid-World.
The Crimson King's Weapon
but the Crimson King took full advantage of it. He threw his enemies through this door, to wander the space, deaf and blind, until one of the todash monsters ate them. This reveals the true horror of Todash Space – it's not just a natural phenomenon but a weapon used by one of the multiverse's greatest villains.
The Crimson King's use of Todash Space as an execution method demonstrates his complete lack of mercy. Rather than simply killing his enemies, he condemned them to an eternity of terror, stumbling blind through darkness while being hunted by incomprehensible horrors.
Creatures of the Void
The Tunnel Demon
One of the todash monsters escaped todash space to roam the tunnel between Fedic and Castle Discordia. This tunnel demon nearly killed Roland Deschain and Susannah Dean, but they were able to fend it off by using Sterno-fueled torches.
This encounter in the seventh Dark Tower book demonstrates several crucial facts about todash creatures:
- They can escape into our reality through weak points
- They retain their otherworldly properties even outside the void
- They have specific weaknesses (in this case, fire)
- Even the mighty gunslingers barely survived the encounter
Types of Todash Entities
Based on various encounters throughout King's works, todash creatures include:
- Cthun - Named entities of immense power
- Tunnel Demons - Escaped creatures that haunt dark places
- The Deadlights Entities - Beings of pure malevolent energy
- Shapeshifters - Creatures that can take any form
- Dimensional Parasites - Entities that feed on reality itself
Connections to Stephen King's Multiverse
IT and the Macroverse
It originated in a vast cosmic void between worlds that has been called, at times, the Macroverse, and in King's Dark Tower series, the Todash Darkness This connection reveals that Pennywise itself may be a todash creature of immense power.
IT's home is referred to as the 'Macroverse' in the story, but is widely assumed to be the same as Todash Space. This means that one of King's most terrifying villains originates from the same void that threatens all of reality in The Dark Tower series.
Maturin the Turtle
Maturin, the space turtle in Stephen King's multiverse, is a primordial entity predating the universe. As a Guardian of the Beams and enemy of IT, Maturin represents the cosmic balance against the chaos of Todash Space.
The relationship between these entities suggests a cosmic hierarchy:
- Gan (The Creator) at the top
- Maturin and other Guardians maintaining order
- IT/Pennywise and todash creatures representing chaos
- The Crimson King seeking to destroy everything
The Mist Connection
It is speculated that in Stephen King's short story, The Mist, some other todash monsters escaped todash space with the help of The Arrowhead Project The creatures that terrorized the supermarket in The Mist may have been todash entities that broke through via scientific experimentation.
This connection is supported by:
- The interdimensional nature of the threat
- The variety of impossible creatures
- The way reality seemed to break down
- The portal-like properties of the mist itself
From a Buick 8
In From a Buick 8, the Buick acts as a portal to another dimension, possibly the Todash Space, and allows various creatures and monsters to come through. The mysterious car serves as another example of how todash creatures can infiltrate our world through unexpected conduits.
The Role of Thinnies
What Are Thinnies?
Occasionally, the nothingness of Todash Space escapes into the adjacent universes through fissures both natural (caused by the wearing-away of the barrier between worlds) and manmade Thinnies are weak points in reality where the barrier between worlds has worn dangerously thin.
Characteristics of Thinnies:
- Audible Warnings: They produce distinctive sounds like moaning or singing
- Visual Distortions: Reality appears warped near thinnies
- Dangerous Proximity: Getting too close can result in going todash
- Growing Problem: They're becoming more common as the Beams weaken
Todash Space in Mike Flanagan's Adaptation
The Challenge of Visualization
When Mike Flanagan brings the Dark Tower series to life in live-action, concept of Todash Space is going to be crucial to the story, especially in later years of the series.
Flanagan faces unique challenges in depicting Todash Space:
- How to visualize absolute nothingness
- Creating creatures that defy comprehension
- Showing the psychological horror of the void
- Maintaining the cosmic scale while keeping it relatable
Flanagan's Vision
Recent updates from 2025 indicate that Flanagan is taking his time to properly capture the essence of King's multiverse. Flanagan admitted that there are "questions that keep [him] up at night" and "it's taking forever," but he also has a plan to bring a faithful adaptation
His approach focuses on starting small with Roland's pursuit of the Man in Black, then gradually expanding to reveal the cosmic horror of Todash Space and the multiverse.
Theories and Speculation
Is Pennywise the Crimson King?
In the Dark Tower books, the Crimson King is referenced as "the great, scuttling spider-king" and is elsewhere confirmed as a shapeshifting were-spider, an attribute that It also possesses. This has led to widespread speculation about their connection.
Evidence supporting the theory:
- Both are spider-like entities
- Both seek destruction and chaos
- Both have connections to Todash Space
- Both oppose the forces of creation
Dandelo: Another Todash Creature?
King ended that sort of speculation by confirming that they are most likely the same sort of Todash monster Dandelo, the emotion-feeding creature from The Dark Tower VII, shares similarities with Pennywise, suggesting a common origin in Todash Space.
Survival Guide: Dealing with Todash Threats
Warning Signs
If you encounter these signs, you may be near a todash breach:
- Unnatural sounds (chimes, moaning, singing)
- Reality distortions
- Temperature drops
- Inexplicable dread
- Missing time or people
Protection Methods
Based on encounters in the books:
- Fire: Effective against some todash creatures
- Mental Fortitude: Strong will can resist todash influence
- Group Unity: Ka-tet bonds provide protection
- Ancient Weapons: Sandalwood guns and similar artifacts
- Avoiding Thinnies: Simply staying away from weak points
The Philosophical Horror of Todash Space
Existential Dread Made Real
Todash Space represents more than just physical danger – it's the embodiment of existential horror. The void challenges our understanding of reality, consciousness, and what lies beyond our perception.
The Price of Knowledge
Love is stronger than hate. And probably more creative, too. This quote from King himself hints at the deeper themes. While Todash Space represents chaos and destruction, the bonds between characters (their ka-tet) provide the only real defense against the void.
Impact on The Dark Tower Narrative
A Constant Threat
Throughout Roland's journey, Todash Space looms as both:
- An obstacle: Dangerous crossings between worlds
- A weapon: Used by enemies against the ka-tet
- A mystery: Hidden truths about reality's nature
- A test: Challenging the characters' bonds and sanity
The Ultimate Stakes
The weakening of the Beams threatens to merge all reality with Todash Space, making the Dark Tower's protection essential for existence itself. This raises the stakes beyond simple adventure to cosmic survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Todash Space?
Todash Space is the dimensionless void between alternate universes in Stephen King's multiverse. It's filled with ancient monsters and serves as both a barrier and a connecting tissue between different realities. Think of it as the dark space between walls, but on a cosmic scale.
Can humans survive in Todash Space?
While technically possible, survival in Todash Space is extremely unlikely. Travelers become deaf and blind to everything except approaching monsters. Most who enter never return, either becoming lost forever or being consumed by the creatures within.
How is "going todash" different from using a door?
Going todash refers to traveling through Todash Space to reach another world, which can happen through various means. Doors are just one method – others include natural ability, magical artifacts, or accidents. The danger is getting stuck in the void during transition.
Is Pennywise from IT really a todash creature?
Strong evidence suggests Pennywise originates from Todash Space or the related Macroverse. Both are described as voids between worlds filled with monsters, and IT's otherworldly nature aligns with known todash entities.
What are thinnies?
Thinnies are weak points in reality where the barrier between worlds has worn thin. They often produce strange sounds and can accidentally transport people into Todash Space. They're becoming more common as the Dark Tower weakens.
Will Todash Space appear in Mike Flanagan's adaptation?
Yes, Todash Space will be crucial to Flanagan's Dark Tower adaptation, especially in later seasons. He's confirmed he's working on faithfully representing King's cosmic horror elements while making them accessible to viewers.
How does Todash Space connect different Stephen King stories?
Todash Space serves as a cosmic connecting point for King's multiverse. Creatures from The Mist, IT's origins, the portal in From a Buick 8, and various other supernatural elements across King's works all potentially link back to this void between worlds.
Can todash creatures be killed?
Some todash creatures can be driven away or potentially destroyed using specific methods (like fire against the tunnel demon), but their otherworldly nature makes them extremely difficult to permanently eliminate. They often exist partially outside normal reality.
What happens if the Dark Tower falls?
If the Dark Tower falls, the barriers between worlds would collapse, potentially merging all reality with Todash Space. This would mean the end of ordered existence and the triumph of chaos and darkness throughout the multiverse.
Are there good creatures in Todash Space?
No evidence suggests any benevolent entities exist within Todash Space itself. The void appears to be exclusively home to malevolent or mindlessly destructive creatures. Positive forces like Maturin exist outside this darkness.
Conclusion: The Darkness Between
Todash Space stands as one of Stephen King's most terrifying and essential concepts. It's not just a plot device but a fundamental aspect of his multiverse that connects disparate stories and raises the stakes to cosmic levels. As we eagerly await Mike Flanagan's adaptation, understanding Todash Space helps us appreciate the true scope and horror of The Dark Tower saga.
Whether you're a longtime fan rereading the series or a newcomer preparing for the upcoming adaptation, remember: when you hear the chimes and feel reality growing thin, it's best to turn back. Some voids are better left unexplored, and some doors should never be opened.
For more insights into The Dark Tower and Stephen King's multiverse, bookmark this page and check back for updates as we learn more about Flanagan's adaptation in 2025.