The atmospheric world of Hollow Knight is sparsely populated, but the few bugs residing there are indeed quite the characters. For those interested, here is a full list of all NPCs the player can talk to, along with a short description. Oh, and the main character himself, of course.
Knight
The main protagonist of Hollow Knight. They embark on a magnificent journey into the depths of Hollownest, in search of the secrets of light.
the wanderers
The knight is likely to find these strange insects in more than one place throughout his journey. Some of them may even prove essential in unraveling Hallownest's checkered past...
hornet This mysterious bug seems to appear in various places throughout the Knight's journey, even impersonating a boss once or twice. In the right light, it might even look like she's testing the knight. What exactly is Hornet looking for here in the depths of Hallownest? |
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Cornifère Cornifer is an eccentric cartographer who likes nothing more than to rummage through unmarked territory, sketching out paths and tunnels as he pleases. He takes a liking to the knight, a fellow explorer, and will offer them maps in each new area they find themselves in together. |
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Squirrel Wandering rogue Quirrel is the thoughtful and inquisitive type. He can often be found either inspecting an oddity, polishing his fingernail, or even just admiring the view. This mask he wears on his head seems terribly familiar... |
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The great and mighty Zote! Be warned weaklings, because it's the almighty warrior Zote! Talk to him disrespectfully and you'll taste the bite of his fingernail, Life-Ender! And he certainly does NOT need help in any situation! Not even if it could cause his own death! Because he totally takes care of it! 100%! |
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Chiffon Cloth is, in truth, a cowardly insect seeking to better himself through life-threatening combat and exploration. Maybe if the knight finds her and talks to her enough times, some of her courage will return to her so that she finally becomes the warrior she desires to be... |
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Tiso The arrogant Tiso seeks to engage in the mythical Trial of Fools on the Kingdom's Edge. Being the mighty warrior that he is, he's probably a real contender for the title of Colosseum champion. But where does he go when he suddenly disappears after his undoubtedly triumphant trial? |
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Mister Mushroom «Nyush oola mumu? Shruba dungo ola, ola mu… gungi. » Who knows what the strange ramblings of Mister Mushroom are about? Maybe if the knight had something to elevate their mushroom kinship, they would be able to figure out what this strange guy is saying... |
Merchants
These friendly bugs provide various services to help the knight on his way. Although, of course, nothing in this world is free.
Malin A cunning merchant who nearly fell victim to the corrupting influence of the Corrupt Tunnels of Hollownest. After being rescued, he is more than willing to part with his precious stock to help the knight. For the right price, of course. |
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Iselda The exasperated wife of traveling cartographer Cornifer. Although she doesn't understand her husband's love of adventure, she still gladly supports him by running a map shop in Dirtmouth. |
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The nailer This valiant deer is not just devoted to his job. His job is his life, his whole being. He only wishes one day to create the perfect nail for a master warrior to wield. For some pale geo and ore, it will buff your nail damage. |
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sanitation Salubra's shop is one of the few warm and welcoming places left in the mists of the Hollownest tunnels. She sells a variety of charms and has been known to show favor to other useful trinket lovers. |
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The Last Deer A relic of Hollownest's former prosperity, the Last Stag serves as Hollow Knight's fast travel network. For a unique initial price at each Stag Station, the Last Stag will transport the Knight to any other unlocked Stag Station. |
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leg eater Don't let his name or nervous look fool you. This bug means you no harm. Instead, after proving your interest with a bit of geo, Leg Eater will allow the knight to purchase fragile charms. These charms provide great benefits but break after death with them equipped. |
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Divine A voracious merchant accompanies Grimm and his gang. She finds Leg Eater's Fragile Charms quite tasty, but beware: the cost to recover your charms is quite exorbitant. But if you have the dough, Divine can turn Leg Eater's flimsy charms into unbreakable charms. |
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lem Lemm is a simple bug of simple tastes. He loves relics. If the Knight stumbles upon Wanderer's Journals, Most Sacred Seals, King's Idols, or even a Mythic Arcane Egg, then Lemm will happily trade them geo for priceless artifacts. |
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Millibelle Millibelle is a strange old lady living on the edge of Fog Canyon, near Queen's Station. She runs her own bank there, where the knight can safely store some of his hard-earned geo. But like many insects in Hollownest, Millibelle hides a secret... |
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little fool This talkative boyfriend is "hanging out" in the Coliseum of Fools on the outskirts of the kingdom. During the punishment, it will collect your geo to unlock the three separate Fool's Trials. There you can fight for glory, for honor and for cute little pebbles called geo! Remember that you don't end up like the little fool himself. |
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Jiji confessor After waking up from a deep sleep, Jiji feels a bit peckish. Don't forget the sleeping confessor. If the knight hands over one of the dastardly rancid eggs he found on his journey around Hollownest, Jiji will return the favor by performing a helpful ritual to summon the knight's wayward soul to the surface. |
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Jinn of the Steel Soul For players brave enough to try their mettle in Steel Soul Mode, Jinn will rest instead of Jiji. Since deaths are permanent in Steel Soul Mode, Rancid Eggs no longer serve their original purpose. Instead, the knight can sell them to Jinn for currency. |
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Tuk The elusive Tuk lurks in the sewers of Hallownest, seeking his favorite treat; Tasty and tasty rancid eggs. But he might be ready to part with a few of his beloved snacks for a pretty geo. But one has to wonder what becomes of the gentle giant in a world where rancid eggs are no longer useful… |
Related: All Charm Notches & Slots In Hollow Knight
Useful bugs
All of these bugs can give the knight a head start on their journey, and some may even be imperative to success.
The snail shaman This dark creature offers the knight his very first soul attack. And, since you're such good friends and all, it's only fitting that you do the good shaman a little favor in return, isn't it? |
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Warning light Another bug that is the last of its kind. This moth seer waits in the rest stops for a champion to right the wrongs of the past once and for all. |
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The larval father This poor old worm has had all his precious grandchildren stolen from the nest by a horrible being of shadows and mirth. He will warmly reward the knight for his efforts to return his grandchildren to him. Make sure to visit the kind old soul often, even after saving his whole family, right? |
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mato One of the three Nailmasters. Mato is an energetic insect who practices his techniques in his lair on the howling cliffs. The knight may be someone he was waiting for... |
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Gold One of the three Nailmasters. He sits on the edge of Kingdom's Edge, brooding over the past. He's not one to help a bug easily, but… hey, life isn't cheap, you know? So he could teach the knight for a geo or two. |
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Sheo One of the three Nailmasters, though he now seeks to master a very different craft in his hut deep in Greenpath. He won't teach the knight directly, but he might still have a lesson to teach as long as you enjoy the fine arts. |
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Bretta Bretta is a sweet, loving insect who finds her "one" after being rescued from the foggy tunnels of Hallownest. But love is a fickle thing, for someone with a silver tongue just might manage to steal their heart from their heroic savior... |
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The dreamers These enigmatic creatures seek only the safety and prosperity of Hallownest. For some reason, each of them went into a deep sleep in their respective homes, protected by fearsome guards. Looking for them is the only way to break through the fog that has enveloped Hallownest. |
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White Lady The White Lady rests in the heart of the Queen's Gardens. For any adventurer determined enough to reach her, she holds a piece of the key needed to confront the truth of Hallownest's corruption. |
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The hunter What could possibly be in this cave? What type of creature could give off such a powerful predatory vibe? There is only one thing that is certain; he took a liking to the knight. One can only wonder what would happen if the knight became as accomplished a hunter as this monstrous beast... |
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The gray mourning Oh, how she suffers! If only there was a faithful insect that would grant its one and only wish? The one who would be so careful and possess such prowess to cross the world without taking a hit from the enemy or the environment? |
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Grimm Nightmare Troupe Master After unsealing the Nightmare Troupe from a certain room in the Howling Cliffs, the Knight will discover that the Nightmare Troupe has come to visit the town of Dirtmouth. And Grimm, the hulking Troupe Master, has a request he would like the Troupe's caller to fulfill... |
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Brumm Brumm is just a humble member of the Nightmare Troupe. He plays quite a playful tune, but is it possible he has hidden plans being hatched behind his blank eyes? |
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The Seeker of God This portly royalty has been locked away in the hidden depths of the sewers for one reason or another. The knight can use a tool taken from him to gain access to Godhome, where a challenge beyond all challenges lies. |
Miscellaneous NPCs
These bugs may have nothing tangible to give the knight, but they still make the world feel alive...