Hollow Knight (2017) — Story, World Setting & Character Breakdown
Developer: Team Cherry • Publisher: Team Cherry • Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
World Setting & Story Premise
Hallownest, an ancient subterranean empire of bugs fallen to an orange glowing dream-plague known as The Infection, spanning forgotten crossroads, fungal wastes, the weeping City of Tears, and the shadowy Abyss.
A nameless, vessel bug armed with a worn nail arrives in the fading hamlet of Dirtmouth and descends into the depths of Hallownest to break the seals of the three Dreamers and confront the source of the golden Infection.
Key Characters & Narrative Roles
The Knight — Protagonist
Affiliation: Vessel born of God and Void • Relationship: Sibling to the Hollow Knight and Hornet
An emotionless shell forged from the Abyss with the potential to contain or destroy the Radiance.
Hornet — Protector / Complex Ally
Affiliation: Deepnest / Kingdom of Hallownest • Relationship: Gendered child of the Pale King and Herrah the Beast
Tests the Knight in combat at Greenpath and Kingdom’s Edge, aiding in unearthing the King’s Brand.
The Pale King — Historical Sovereign
Affiliation: Ruler of Hallownest • Relationship: Creator of the Vessels
Granted sapience to the bugs of Hallownest, sacrificing thousands of his own vessel spawn in a failed attempt to seal the Radiance.
The Radiance — True Antagonist
Affiliation: Ancient Moth God of Dreams and Light • Relationship: Source of the golden Infection
Forgotten by the bugs when they worshiped the Pale King; manifested her revenge through the infectious hivemind dreams.