Throughout fantasy realms, knights have always stood as symbols of courage. From the legendary Arthurian Knights of the Round Table to the valiant Knights of Gwyn in the Dark Souls universe, their tales are woven into the fabric of epic stories.
Hollow Knight follows this tradition by portraying the Pale King's appointment of five Great Knights as the guardians of Hallownest, charged with defending its inhabitants until the completion of his mysterious project. As players explore the underground expanse, they encounter mere apparitions of Hollow Knight's once-great heroes, showcasing their valor and unwavering resolve in the face of inevitable tragedy.
Unraveling Hollow Knight's Legends - The Five Great Knights
The Enigmatic Ze’mer
Hailing from a distant land, Ze’mer ventured into Hallownest, believed to be from Pharloom, the same realm that Hornet will traverse in Silksong, the sequel to Hollow Knight. Her presence signifies the perils lurking beyond Hallownest, where even greater dangers than the Radiance await. Ze’mer not only explored but also displayed remarkable combat prowess, particularly skilled in wielding her massive nail.
Having proven her expertise and valor, she was invited to join the Pale King's knighthood. Despite her allegiance to Hallownest, Ze’mer's affection for a descendant of the Mantis Traitor Lord was met with adversity from the Mantis Tribe. Tragically, their love story met a sorrowful end, with the Traitors’ Child perishing under mysterious circumstances, leaving Ze’mer in eternal mourning, yearning for solace and closure.
The Resolute Dryya
Details of Dryya's saga remain scarce, yet her demise attests to her unwavering dedication and unwavering loyalty. Found in the Queen's Garden, amidst the corpses of fallen Mantis Warriors surrounding the White Lady's cocoon, it is evident that Dryya met her end defending her charge. Her last lingering thought, as revealed by the Dreamnail, echoes a solemn directive: “Protect…”
The Stalwart Hegemol
The False Knight, encountered as the initial boss in Hallownest, is a deceptive facade concealing a feeble Maggot adorned in Hegemol's armor. This Maggot, driven by a desire to shield his kin from malevolence, usurped the knight's armor while he slumbered. Whether Hegemol succumbed in his sleep or faced a different fate remains shrouded in mystery, with only a commemorative statue outside the City of Tears as a remnant of his existence.
Despite his imposing stature, Hegemol was known for his gentle demeanor and quiet disposition. Fondly remembered by his fellow knight Ogrim for his humor, Hegemol's absence, like that of many others, hints at a tragic conclusion.
The Benevolent Isma
A figure of immense strength and compassion, Isma's demise is veiled in ambiguity, her body entwined within the flora of her grove. Her death and its repercussions remain enigmatic, with her grove's acidic essence posing a dual threat - granting immunity to the Knight but endangering the surrounding environment with its corrosive nature.
Ogrim, The Dung Defender
Despite his unenviable reputation for his malodorous presence, Ogrim epitomizes unwavering devotion within the knightly order. Stationed outside Isma's Grove, he dutifully safeguards it, unwavering even in the desolation of Hallownest and the absence of his comrades. Engrossed in his duty, Ogrim crafts statues from dung, reminiscing about his companions and yearning for a reunion, oblivious to their eternal departure.