Upon its release in 2017, Hollow Knight gained widespread acclaim and secured its place in the indie gaming world. A standout feature of the game was its diverse cast of insect-like creatures and challenging boss encounters. Interestingly, amidst a myriad of adversaries in Hollow Knight, one particular character received special treatment from the developers.
Despite consisting of only three developers, Team Cherry poured their hearts into creating a masterpiece. Among the many intriguing characters in the game, the Dung Defender, a peculiar yet oddly charming boss, captured a significant amount of attention. Apart from his name, which sparks curiosity, he remains a memorable figure in the game.
The Unparalleled Reign of a Singular Boss in Hollow Knight
The Impact of Personal Favoritism on the Dung Defender in Hollow Knight
The Dung Defender's unorthodox combat style is overshadowed by the depth of his character. According to a post by Team Cherry in 2016, Ari Gibson, the co-director and art director of Hollow Knight, holds a special fondness for this character. This favoritism towards the Dung Defender showcases the intricate storytelling within Hollow Knight, even for seemingly less significant characters.
Defeating the Dung Defender in the Royal Waterways is pivotal for unlocking new areas like Isma's Grove. His presence is not just marked by his iconic soundtrack, booming voice, and unique fighting techniques involving dung, but also by his courageous stand against overwhelming odds. In the game's lore, the Dung Defender, formerly known as Olgrim, was a respected member of the Five Great Knights entrusted with safeguarding the kingdom.
While details about the heroic deeds of the Five Great Knights in Hollow Knight are scarce, it is revealed that as the infection spread throughout Hallownest, the uncorrupted Dung Defender took it upon himself to protect the waterways and its inhabitants. Sadly, he was the last line of defense for the kingdom's vulnerable water supply against the infection. Some speculate that his unwavering sense of duty may have clouded his judgment regarding the kingdom's true state.
The Resurgence of the Dung Defender in Team Cherry's 'Hidden Dreams' DLC
While the Dung Defender provides an enjoyable boss battle experience, he is considered one of the less challenging foes to overcome. This prompted Team Cherry to reintroduce the character as the White Defender in the 2017 'Hidden Dreams' update. The White Defender, representing the dream version of the Dung Defender, retains the essence of the original fight but with increased strength and additional dung-related attacks.
After defeating the White Defender five times, players are treated to a special dialogue where he ponders the return of the King and questions if The Knight could join the Five Great Knights. Intriguingly, upon revisiting the Dung Defender's domain after this interaction, he mysteriously disappears. While fan theories suggest The Knight freed him from his trance-like state of protecting Isma's Grove and the waterways, Team Cherry has not officially confirmed his fate. Nevertheless, the Dung Defender's presence in the 'Hidden Dreams' DLC is a delightful addition, likely influenced by Ari Gibson's fascination with the character.