Hollow Knight Characters
I completed my adventure in Hollow Knight, starting from dirtmouth, and ended up defeating the Radiance; the world of Hallownest unfolded before me. It’s a lonely place mostly, but you do meet some friendly faces along the way. Hollow Knight Characters like Cornifer, who helps you find your path, and the Nailsmith, who sharpens your tools, become your allies in this challenging adventure.
Hollow Knight, released in 2017, is praised for its tough but fair gameplay and emotional music. It’s set in a mysterious world full of interesting characters. From tough bosses to helpful friends, each interaction adds to the story. The game’s atmosphere is quiet yet filled with memorable bugs and creatures.
Whether fighting enemies or making friends, every moment in Hollow Knight is special. The characters you meet, with their stories and challenges, make the journey through Hallownest unforgettable.
Let’s talk about all the characters you will meet throughout your journey in the Hallownest. Whether they’re helpful friends or tough enemies, we’ll explain who they are and how they affect your adventure. Keep an eye out for our detailed guide to every character in the game so that you can learn more about their stories in the world of Hallownest.
Type of Hollow Knight Characters
- Protagonists — The playable characters.
- NPCs (Non-playable characters) — Those you meet and talk to in Hallownest.
- Bosses — Enemies you face off against in battles.
Protagonists (Playable Characters)
In Hollow Knight, the protagonists are the playable characters controlled by the player throughout the game. They serve as the primary vessels through which players explore the vast and mysterious world of Hallownest.
These characters are pivotal in uncovering the game’s secrets, overcoming challenges, and engaging with other inhabitants of the world, both friendly and hostile. Each protagonist offers unique abilities and skills that aid in navigating treacherous environments, defeating enemies, and progressing through the storyline.
| Knight (Player) |
NPCs
NPCs in Hollow Knight APK are the non-playable residents of Hallownest encountered during The Knight’s journey. They enrich the game’s narrative and lore, offering insights into Hallownest’s history through dialogue interactions.
Many NPCs play crucial roles, from providing essential services like trading goods for Geo to advancing quests that drive the storyline forward. When accessed with the Dream Nail, some characters reveal deeper layers of their personalities and stories, adding depth to the player’s exploration and understanding of the kingdom’s mysteries.
Names of NPCs (Non-playable Characters)
| NPC Name | Location and Role |
|---|---|
| Hornet | Various Locations – Recurring Character and Ally |
| Quirrel | Various Locations – Wanderer and Friend |
| Elderbug | Dirtmouth – Welcoming NPC |
| The Last Stag | Stag Stations (Various Locations) – Fast Travel Service |
| Bretta | Dirtmouth – Lovesick NPC |
| Sly | Dirtmouth – Merchant |
| Zote the Mighty | Greenpath, Dirtmouth – Braggart Warrior |
| Iselda | Dirtmouth – Map Shop Owner (Partner of Cornifer) |
| Cornifer | Various Locations – Cartographer |
| Cloth | Various Locations – Adventurer |
| Grimm | Dirtmouth (Grimm Troupe DLC) – Leader of the Grimm Troupe |
| Brumm | Dirtmouth (Grimm Troupe DLC) – Servant of Grimm |
| Tiso | Various Locations – Aspiring Warrior |
| Myla | Forgotten Crossroads – Singing Miner |
| White Lady | Queen’s Gardens – NPC Related to the Pale King |
| The Pale King | The Abyss (Flashback and Lore) – Former King of Hallownest |
| The Seer | Resting Grounds – Overseer of Dreamers |
| The Nailsmith | City of Tears – Craftsman of Nail Weapons |
| Jiji | Dirtmouth – Summoner of Shade |
| Millibelle the Banker | Fog Canyon – Banker NPC |
| The Hunter | Greenpath – Provides The Hunter’s Journal |
| Eternal Emilitia | City of Tears – Wealthy NPC |
| Joni | Howling Cliffs – Ghost NPC (Joni’s Blessing Charm) |
| The Grey Mourner | Resting Grounds – Requests Delicate Flower |
| Steel Soul Jinn | Dirtmouth (Steel Soul Mode) – Sells Items |
| Divine | Dirtmouth (Grimm Troupe DLC) – Charm Upgrader |
| Bardoon | Kingdom’s Edge – Giant Worm |
| The Dung Defender (Ogrim) | Royal Waterways – Ex-Knight of the Pale King |
| The Godseeker | Godhome (Godmaster DLC) – Seeker of Gods |
| Confessor Jiji | Dirtmouth – Shade Recovery Service |
| Tuk | Ancient Basin – Collector of Rancid Eggs |
| Mask Maker | Deepnest – Lore NPC |
| Midwife | Deepnest – Lore NPC |
| Fluke Hermit | Royal Waterways – Friendly NPC Hidden in a Secret Area |
| Nymm | Dirtmouth – Alternative Character to Brumm in Grimm Troupe DLC |
| Salubra | Forgotten Crossroads – Charm Merchant |
| Leg Eater | Fungal Wastes – Charm Repair Merchant |
| Relic Seeker Lemm | City of Tears – Collector of Relics |
| The Great Nailsage Sly | Dirtmouth – Nailsage and Shopkeeper |
| Sheo | Greenpath – Nail Arts Teacher |
| Oro | Kingdom’s Edge – Nail Arts Teacher |
| Mato | Howling Cliffs – Nail Arts Teacher |
| Marissa | City of Tears – Spirit Singer |
| Willoh | Queen’s Station – Resting NPC |
Bosses
Bosses in Hollow Knight are formidable enemies that typically have higher health pools and deal greater damage compared to regular enemies. Encounters with bosses are often marked by on-screen name displays and a shift in music to intense battle themes. These fights are crucial for progressing through the game, acquiring key items, unlocking new areas, or advancing the storyline.
Names of All Bosses:
| Boss Name | Location and Level |
|---|---|
| False Knight | Forgotten Crossroads – Arena |
| Hornet (Protector) | Greenpath – Arena |
| Massive Moss Charger | Greenpath – Mini Arena |
| Gruz Mother | Forgotten Crossroads – Arena |
| Vengefly King | Greenpath – Mini Arena |
| Mantis Lords | Fungal Wastes – Arena |
| Soul Master | Soul Sanctum – Arena |
| Dung Defender | Royal Waterways – Arena |
| Broken Vessel | Ancient Basin – Arena |
| Nosk | Deepnest – Arena |
| Watcher Knights | Watcher’s Spire (City of Tears) – Arena |
| Uumuu | Teacher’s Archives (Fog Canyon) – Arena |
| Traitor Lord | Queen’s Gardens – Arena |
| Hornet (Sentinel) | Kingdom’s Edge – Arena |
| Sisters of Battle | Godhome (Pantheon of Hallownest) – Arena |
| The Collector | Tower of Love (City of Tears) – Arena |
| Hive Knight | The Hive – Arena |
| Broken Vessel (Lost Kin) | Godhome (Hall of Gods) – Arena |
| The Radiance | Godhome (Pantheon of Hallownest) – Arena |
| Grimm | Dirtmouth (Grimm Troupe DLC) – Arena |
| Nightmare King Grimm | Godhome (Pantheon of Hallownest) – Arena |
| God Tamer | Colosseum of Fools – Arena |
| Grey Prince Zote | Dirtmouth (Bretta’s House) – Dream Battle |
| Pure Vessel | Godhome (Pantheon of Hallownest) – Arena |
| The Hollow Knight | Black Egg Temple – Final Arena |
| Elder Hu | Fungal Wastes – Dream Battle |
| Galien | Deepnest – Dream Battle |
| Markoth | Kingdom’s Edge – Dream Battle |
| Xero | Resting Grounds – Dream Battle |
| Gorb | Howling Cliffs – Dream Battle |
| Marmu | Queen’s Gardens – Dream Battle |
| Flukemarm | Royal Waterways – Mini Arena |
| Enraged Guardian | Crystal Peak – Mini Arena |
| Crystal Guardian | Crystal Peak – Arena |
Most Important and famous characters in Hollow Knight:
Knight (Player)
The Knight is the central protagonist and playable character in the Hollow Knight mobile game. As a silent, mysterious figure adorned with a horned helmet, The Knight ventures into the depths of Hallownest, a forgotten insect kingdom. Armed with a nail for combat and various abilities acquired throughout the journey, it explores intricate landscapes, battles formidable foes, and encounters a wide array of characters.
The player guides The Knight through a narrative rich in atmosphere and lore, piecing together the kingdom’s history while facing personal challenges and decisions that shape their journey.
Cornifer
Cornifer in Hollow Knight is the game’s dedicated cartographer, an enthusiastic weevil-like bug who meticulously creates and sells maps of the kingdom’s various regions. Players first encounter him at the bottom of the Forgotten Crossroads, where he offers maps and encourages a visit to his wife Iselda’s shop in Dirtmouth.
His presence in each area is indicated by scattered papers and his distinctive humming, guiding players to his location to purchase new maps. Cornifer’s passion for exploration is evident as he travels across Hallownest, documenting its layout and selling his detailed maps to aid adventurers like the Knight. His fearlessness in most zones contrasts sharply with his trepidation in places like Deepnest, where he hides from danger but remains committed to his cartographic duties.
The Last Stag
The Last Stag in Hollow Knight is the sole surviving stag beetle in Hallownest, known for his role in transporting bugs across the kingdom through the Stagways. As players unlock Stag Stations, such as the one in Dirtmouth, he reminisces about the vibrant days when these routes were bustling with life and activity. Despite Hallownest’s decline and his advanced age affecting his memory of station locations, the Last Stag remains committed to his duty.
He responds to the bell’s call from any bug needing transport, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his role. Despite his reservations about the Pale King’s Tramways, he treats all passengers equally, reflecting his steadfast professionalism and nostalgic attachment to Hallownest’s past glory.
Quirrel
A traveling bug who aids the Knight at various points in their journey, offering advice and companionship. Quirrel is a curious and upbeat explorer in Hollow Knight, deeply intrigued by the mysteries and myths of Hallownest, though he cannot fully explain why. Formerly an apprentice to Monomon, one of Hallownest’s Dreamers, Quirrel carries her mask, which plays a significant role in the game’s storyline.
Despite losing much of his memory, he is drawn back to Hallownest at Monomon’s behest to reverse a protective seal placed upon her. Quirrel is known for his skill with a nail and acts as a wise guide to the Knight, appearing in various locations across the kingdom.
His peaceful demeanor and reluctance to fight unless necessary make him a trusted ally to the Knight, assisting in pivotal moments like the battle with Uumuu. After his final appearance at Blue Lake, Quirrel mysteriously disappears, leaving behind only his nail.
Location: Initially found at the Black Egg Temple, Quirrel moves through Greenpath, Queen’s Station, Mantis Village, City of Tears, Deepnest, Crystal Peak, Fog Canyon (Teacher’s Archives), and concludes at Blue Lake.
Combat: The Quirrel cannot be killed by players and does not provide direct rewards, but his assistance in key battles is invaluable to progressing through the game’s story.
The Nailmasters
There are three Nailmasters, skilled warriors who can teach the Knight new nail arts.
- Mato
- Oro
- Sheo
The Nailmasters play a crucial role in enhancing the Knight’s combat abilities by teaching special techniques known as Nail Arts. There are three Nailmasters scattered throughout Hallownest, each offering a unique Nail Art technique that players can learn to augment their nail’s capabilities.
These masters are revered for their expertise in combat and are optional encounters for players seeking to deepen their prowess in battle. To acquire each Nail Art, players must locate and interact with Nailmaster Mato, Nailmaster Oro, and Nailmaster Sheo, each requiring different approaches to earn their teachings. Mastering these techniques not only enhances the Knight’s offensive capabilities but also enriches the gameplay experience by adding strategic depth to combat encounters.
Iselda
Cornifer’s wife and shopkeeper in Dirtmouth, where players can purchase upgrades and items. Iselda is a prominent character in Hollow Knight, known as the wife of Cornifer and the operator of their map shop in Dirtmouth. Originally a skilled fighter, Iselda set aside her warrior’s life to accompany Cornifer on his explorations into Hallownest.
Despite her tall stature, they settled in a modest house near Dirtmouth’s Stag Station, where she diligently manages their business. Iselda sells essential maps and mapping tools crucial for the player’s navigation throughout the kingdom.
Though she doesn’t share Cornifer’s enthusiasm for adventure, she worries about his safety and often wishes he would spend more time at home. Iselda takes pride in crafting cartography pins tailored to her customers’ needs, demonstrating her commitment to her role despite any reservations about shopkeeping.
The Seer
A mysterious moth who collects Essence and provides upgrades to the Dream Nail. The Seer is a significant NPC in Hollow Knight, serving as the last surviving member of the Moth Tribe. She resides in the Resting Grounds, where she tends to graves and laments her tribe’s forgotten worship of the Radiance, their creator. Despite their abandonment of the Radiance, the Seer guides the Knight and provides them with the Dream Nail, a powerful tool that allows access to the dreams of NPCs and enemies.
She urges the Knight to collect Essence to strengthen the Dream Nail, eventually revealing more about Hallownest’s history when 2400 Essence is gathered. After imparting her knowledge, the Seer dissipates into Essence, symbolizing her ascension and possibly finding redemption in the eyes of the Radiance. Her role extends beyond a mere quest giver, embodying themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of forgetting one’s heritage in the world of Hollow Knight.
Zote the Mighty
A boastful warrior encountered multiple times, known for his exaggerated tales and challenging fights. Zote the Mighty is an intriguing and polarizing character in Hollow Knight, known for his grandiose claims and comically inept adventures. He presents himself as a renowned knight of great skill and courage, wielding a nail he has named “Life Ender,” despite it being ineffective due to its shellwood material.
Originally hailing from outside Hallownest, Zote arrives in the kingdom driven by a promise of glory, which he ultimately interprets as an opportunity to elevate his own stature. Throughout the game, players encounter Zote in various precarious situations where he is often found in need of rescue or taking credit for the accomplishments of others. Despite his boastful nature and claims of superiority, Zote’s actual prowess is questionable, and his encounters often end in scenarios that highlight his ineptitude rather than his heroism.
Zote’s backstory, revealed through Dream Nail dialogue and his collection of 57 Precepts, unveils a troubled past. He left his home at a young age due to abusive parents, seeking validation and recognition elsewhere. This backstory adds depth to his character, painting him not just as a braggart but as a complex figure driven by deep-seated insecurities and a desperate desire to prove himself.
In terms of gameplay, interacting with Zote triggers various achievements depending on the player’s choices. Players can opt to leave him to his fate early in Greenpath, rescue him multiple times across different locations like Dirtmouth, the City of Tears, and Deepnest, or even face him as a boss in the challenging Colosseum of Fools.
Ultimately, Zote the Mighty is a humorous yet poignant exploration of themes like ego, self-delusion, and the disparity between perception and reality. His presence in Hollow Knight adds a layer of dark humor and introspection to the game’s atmospheric and mysterious world.
Grubfather
Rewards the player for rescuing his Grub children scattered throughout Hallownest. The Grubfather in Hollow Knight is a beloved NPC who plays a significant role in the game’s lore and progression. Here’s a detailed overview of the Grubfather and his interactions within Hallownest:
Lore and Background: The Grubfather is an elderly caterpillar-like creature who resides in his humble “Grubhome” located in the Forgotten Crossroads. He serves as the patriarch of a colony of Grubs, harmless creatures known for their adept tunneling skills and affinity for collecting shiny objects like Geo and Relics. However, all of Grubfather’s children mysteriously disappeared, leaving him distraught and longing for their return.
In-Game Events: Players encounter the Grubfather early in the game, where he laments the loss of his Grub children. Throughout Hallownest, Grubs can be found trapped in glass jars, a plight inflicted upon them by the enigmatic Collector. Players can free these Grubs by breaking their jars with the Nail, after which the Grubs burrow back into Grubfather’s Grubhome.
Rewards: Each rescued Grub returned to the Grubfather and rewarded the player with Geo and other valuable items. Saving 23 Grubs grants the “Grubfriend” achievement while rescuing all 46 Grubs rewards the coveted “Metamorphosis” achievement. Upon rescuing the last Grub, the Grubfather gifts the player the Grubberfly’s Elegy charm, which symbolizes the gratitude of the Grubs transitioning to the next stage of their lives.
Dream Nail Dialogue: Using the Dream Nail on the Grubfather reveals deeper insights into his sorrow over the loss of his children and his gratitude for each returned Grub. It highlights his paternal concern and the hope he holds for their safe return.
Location and Interaction: The Grubfather can always be found in the Forgotten Crossroads, eagerly awaiting news of his missing Grubs. After rescuing all 46 Grubs, players can return to find him in a bloated state, having consumed all his children who now reside happily and coo within him. Despite this, attempting to attack him at this stage prompts amused laughter rather than damage.
The Grubfather’s questline is not only a source of rewards and achievements but also adds emotional depth to the world of Hollow Knight. It showcases themes of loss, perseverance, and the circle of life within the insect kingdom of Hallownest. His storyline encourages players to explore every corner of the game world, uncovering the fate of each Grub and bringing closure to their quest for metamorphosis.
The Pale King
A pivotal figure in Hallownest’s history, whose actions and decisions shaped the kingdom’s fate. The Pale King serves as both a central character and a catalyst for many events within the game’s intricate lore. Here’s an in-depth look at the Pale King and his significance:
Lore and Background: The Pale King, originally a powerful Wyrm, settled in Hallownest after shedding his original form and assuming a smaller, bug-like appearance to better integrate with the inhabitants of the kingdom. He ruled Hallownest from his grand White Palace alongside his mate, the White Lady. The Pale King is credited with bestowing sapience and intelligence upon the bugs of Hallownest, elevating them to a higher level of civilization.
Role in Hallownest: Under his rule, the Pale King amassed a large following of devoted bugs who believed he had created their world. This included various tribes like the Moths and the inhabitants of the Fungal Wastes, who revered him as a god-like figure. However, his reign was challenged by the emergence of the Radiance, a deity of light and dreams, who opposed the Pale King’s influence over the bugs and sought to be remembered by them.
The Infection and the Vessels: The Pale King’s response to the Radiance’s influence was the creation of the Vessels, hollow beings designed to contain the spreading infection caused by the Radiance. He appointed three Dreamers to guard the seals containing the Hollow Knight, the ultimate vessel meant to suppress the Radiance indefinitely. Despite his efforts, the infection eventually began to overwhelm Hallownest, leading to dire consequences.
Legacy and Fate: As the infection spread, the Pale King’s methods, including the creation and sacrifice of numerous Vessels, became increasingly controversial. Ultimately, the Pale King and his White Palace disappeared following the outbreak of the infection, leaving behind remnants of his legacy scattered throughout Hallownest. His fate remains mysterious, with some believing he perished in the chaos caused by the Radiance’s resurgence.
In-game presence: In Hollow Knight, players can encounter memories of the Pale King within the White Palace, Path of Pain, and The Abyss, offering glimpses into his past and the kingdom’s history. These encounters deepen the player’s understanding of the Pale King’s motivations, struggles, and the consequences of his actions on Hallownest.
The Pale King’s story in Hollow Knight is one of ambition, sacrifice, and the complexities of rulership in a world beset by external and internal threats. His character adds layers of depth to the game’s narrative, reflecting themes of power, responsibility, and the consequences of pursuing lofty goals in the face of adversity.
