Story & Lore

Discover the epic tale of Hornet's journey through Pharloom

The Tale of Hornet

Hollow Knight: Silksong takes place after the events of the original Hollow Knight. The warrior Hornet, princess-protector of the fallen kingdom of Hallownest, finds herself kidnapped by mysterious veiled bugs and transported to the distant kingdom of Pharloom.

With the intervention of a mysterious winged insect, Hornet breaks free of her mystical bindings and escapes her captors. She soon learns that her kidnappers were adherents of the Citadel, a powerful religious institution located at Pharloom's summit. Determined to uncover the reason behind her capture, Hornet begins her ascent to the Citadel.

Hornet: The Protagonist

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Hornet

Princess-Protector of Hallownest

Background

Hornet is the daughter of the Pale King and Herrah the Beast, making her a unique hybrid of wyrm and spider. Born to serve as a bridge between the Wyrm's kingdom and the Deepnest spiders, she inherited both the wisdom of the Pale King and the fierce independence of her mother. As the princess-protector of Hallownest, she has dedicated her life to protecting the kingdom and its inhabitants from the Infection that plagued the land.

Abilities

Unlike the Knight, Hornet is incredibly agile and fast. She wields a needle and thread as her primary weapons, utilizing her silk-based abilities for both combat and traversal. Her unique fighting style emphasizes speed, precision, and acrobatic maneuvers. Key abilities include:

  • Silk Healing: Uses silk threads to mend wounds
  • Silk Bridges: Creates temporary platforms for traversal
  • Needle Combat: Masterful use of her signature needle weapon
  • Acrobatic Movement: Enhanced speed and agility for complex platforming

Motivation

Driven by a fierce determination to uncover the truth behind her kidnapping and protect the innocent, Hornet ventures into the unknown depths of Pharloom. Her journey is not just about escape, but about understanding her own connection to the silk that plagues this new kingdom and finding her place in a world far from home.

Key Characters in Pharloom

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The Winged Insect

A mysterious benefactor who helps Hornet escape her initial captivity. Little is known about this character, but their intervention suggests they may have their own agenda regarding the Citadel and Hornet's unique abilities.

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The Chapel Maid

An elderly resident of Pharloom who provides Hornet with crucial information about the Citadel and the veiled bugs who captured her. Her knowledge of the kingdom's history and politics proves invaluable to Hornet's journey.

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Shakra

A skilled cartographer encountered in The Marrow who provides Hornet with maps, tools, and essential items. Shakra operates a trading post where Hornet can exchange Rosaries (local currency) for upgrades and supplies.

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The Bell Beast

A massive, imprisoned creature that Hornet frees during her journey. Once liberated, the Bell Beast grants Hornet enhanced mobility options, allowing her to travel more freely across Pharloom's vast landscape.

Journey Timeline

The Kidnapping

Hornet is captured by veiled bugs in Hallownest and transported to Pharloom through mystical means.

The Escape

With help from a mysterious winged insect, Hornet breaks free from her bindings and escapes her initial captors.

Meeting the Chapel Maid

Hornet encounters the elderly Chapel Maid, who informs her about the Citadel and her captors' motives.

Bone Bottom

Hornet arrives in Bone Bottom, a small town inhabited by pilgrims seeking answers in Pharloom.

The Marrow

She meets Shakra, a cartographer who provides maps, tools, and items in exchange for Rosaries.

The Bell Beast

Hornet frees the Bell Beast, gaining the ability to travel across Pharloom more freely.

The Kingdom of Pharloom

A Land Enshrouded in Silk

Pharloom is a vast, interconnected kingdom filled with unique enemies, challenging bosses, and intricate environments. Unlike Hallownest, which was plagued by the Infection, Pharloom suffers from a different affliction - silken threads that choke the land and drive its residents to madness.

🕸️ Silk Infestation

Much of Pharloom is choked by silken threads that ensnare residents and pilgrims alike, driving them to madness. Hornet's own ability to produce silk makes her particularly interesting to the veiled bugs who captured her.

⛪ The Citadel

A massive religious institution located at Pharloom's summit, serving as the ultimate destination for Hornet's journey. The Citadel is ruled by powerful beings who may hold the answers to Hornet's kidnapping.

🏘️ Pilgrim Towns

Scattered throughout Pharloom are small towns inhabited by pilgrims seeking answers, refuge, or purpose in the silk-choked kingdom. These settlements serve as safe havens and quest hubs.

Key Story Locations

🏘️ Bone Bottom

A small town inhabited by pilgrims seeking answers in Pharloom. This serves as one of the first major settlements Hornet encounters on her journey.

🗺️ The Marrow

A hub area where Hornet meets Shakra, a cartographer who provides essential maps, tools, and items for local currency (Rosaries).

🏰 Greymoor

One of the largest areas Team Cherry has ever created, featuring intricate architecture and challenging platforming sequences.

⛪ The Citadel

The ultimate destination of Hornet's journey, a massive religious institution at Pharloom's summit that holds the answers she seeks.

Major Themes

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Fate vs. Free Will

Hornet struggles against forces that seek to control her destiny, questioning whether her path is predetermined or if she can forge her own future.

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Religion and Power

The Citadel represents the intersection of faith and authority, exploring how institutions wield power over believers.

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Connection and Isolation

The silk threads that plague Pharloom symbolize both connection and entrapment, reflecting the game's exploration of relationships and independence.

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Identity and Purpose

Hornet's journey is also one of self-discovery, as she confronts her heritage and defines her role in the world.

Explore More

👥 Character Guide

Meet the inhabitants of Pharloom

🗺️ World Map

Explore every corner of Pharloom

⚔️ Combat System

Master Hornet's abilities

📖 Complete Guide

Full walkthrough and tips