Bulgum is an expression used by King Glogalog and his marshtoads to refer to high level creatures doted with magical powers. Honorable Rosemary and Durry Quill were called "bulgums" when they fell from the sky and killed an adder that had threatened the life of Glogalog. The reputation of Hon Rosie and Durry as creatures with extraordinary powers was further confirmed when they made fire out of smoldering ashes. Bulgums were treated with deference and fear by the marshtoads and were spared from death or mistreatment because of their special status. Later, the King Glogalog became a bulgum when he learned how to spit fire using strong alcohol taken from the hold of the Pearl Queen.