Gunslinger (poem)

Gunslinger is an epic poem by American author Stephen King, first published in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction in 1981, and later incorporated as the first volume of The Dark Tower series. The poem, and subsequently the novel, introduces the character of Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, and his relentless quest to reach the Dark Tower, a nexus point in all realities.

The poem, and by extension the novel The Gunslinger, blends elements of various genres including Westerns, fantasy, science fiction, and horror. It established many of the core themes and concepts that would become central to the sprawling Dark Tower saga, such as the decaying state of Mid-World, the presence of "thinny" (tears in reality), and the significance of ka (fate or destiny).

The Gunslinger character is depicted as a stoic, solitary figure, driven by an almost obsessive dedication to his mission. He travels through a desolate and dangerous landscape, encountering various characters and challenges along the way. The early encounters in the poem and novel establish his ruthless nature and willingness to sacrifice others for the sake of his quest.

The narrative style is often fragmented and dreamlike, hinting at a deeper, more complex history and mythology that gradually unfolds throughout the series. The poem serves as a foundation for understanding the scope and ambition of King's Dark Tower universe. While initially published as a set of interconnected stories, the compiled novel, The Gunslinger, and the subsequent books in the series, form a cohesive and sprawling narrative.