Kilkaris

Kilkaris is a fictional creature appearing in the fantasy novel "The Talisman" by Stephen King and Peter Straub. These beings are described as monstrous, shadowy entities that inhabit the Territories, a parallel world to our own. Kilkaris are often depicted as tall, gaunt figures with long, sharp claws and a terrifying, almost skeletal appearance. They are known for their speed and ferocity, making them dangerous predators within their environment.

The primary role of Kilkaris in the narrative is to serve as antagonists and guardians of certain areas or individuals within the Territories. They possess a malevolent intelligence and seem to derive pleasure from tormenting their victims. Their presence often signifies a threat or an obstacle to the protagonists, Jack Sawyer and Richard Sloat, as they journey through the parallel world. While their origins are not fully detailed, they are presented as an inherent danger within the complex and often brutal landscape of the Territories. Their physical characteristics and aggressive nature make them memorable and unsettling elements of the story's horror.