Hollow Knight: Darkness Calls in the Kingdom of Masks

Inspiration and Similarities

Hollow Knight shows a clear acknowledgment of how the game takes inspiration from Dark Souls. The effects can occur in various forms. Thematically, both games revolve around the conflict between opposing forces: unlike Dark Souls (which centers the story on fire and ever-increasing darkness), Hollow Knight highlights the conflict between shining light and nothingness consuming much of its time. Apart from that, the difficulty level of each game is known to be very difficult and requires the player to be able to survive. In the end, both games feature cliche scary characters laughing non-stop; they contribute to the general depressing vibe permeating the dystopian setting. Even with the obvious similarities, Hollow Knight stands out as a unique experience because of its interesting features.

Narrative Depth

Hollow Knight tells a very deep story despite its cartoon style but looks cute. The narrative explores important subjects including the search for identity, the growth of self-awareness, and the difficulty in determining individual goals. At first, the use of insects as characters may seem like a silly story but the deeply moving (often tragic) struggles undertaken by the animals take them to a new level of deep emotional relevance. Players are forced to recognize the extraordinary human nature possessed by the extraterrestrials.

Connection to Dante’s Inferno

The narrative of Hollow Knight evokes a deep connection to a famous line from Dante Alighieri’s epic poem, The Divine Comedy. The line reads: “Midway upon the journey of our life I found myself within a dark forest, for the unclear pathway had been lost.” Although the symbolic meaning of the forest can be interpreted as representing confusion and loss of direction (a thematic resonance shared with the labyrinthine tunnels and vast Hallownest region in the game), the two protagonists find themselves compelled to confront and overcome obstacles to achieve progress and navigate the encroaching darkness. In Hollow Knight, the darkness is manifested, while in The Divine Comedy, it symbolizes the metaphorical darkness of sin and despair.

The World of Hallownest

The entirety of Hollow Knight unfolds within the confines of Hallownest, a singular and extraordinary location where the insect population has transcended the limitations of their typical existence. The creatures not only attained the capacity for independent thought. However, they also have a developed self-awareness and the ability to engage in a dream world full of mystery. The narrative establishes how Hallownest emerged from the dried remains of a mystical wyrm, a creature of extraordinary power. The transformative event bestows upon the insect inhabitants a nascent form of consciousness. However, the initial state appears to resemble a unified collective intelligence (similar to a form of slavery) directed by a powerful entity later identified as The Radiance.

The Pale King’s Intervention

An important shift occurs with the arrival of The Pale King, a mysterious entity of unknown origins and distinct from the native insect population. The Pale King incites a rebellion against The Radiance’s tyrannical government. The motivation behind the action is still shrouded in ambiguity. Perhaps, he sought to free the Hallownest insects from a state akin to slavery or perhaps he harbored ambitions to replace The Radiance as a godlike figure. Regardless of his ultimate goal, The Pale King devises an elaborate plan: the creation of a creature embodying the antithesis of The Radiance (a vessel of pure nothingness). The entity will serve as a prison, forever sealing The Radiance. Thus, it prevents him from inflicting torturous dreams on the residents of Hallownest.

The Downfall and The Knight’s Role

Initially, the Pale King’s steps seemed to be paying off. The original Hollow Knight (a creature of perfect emptiness) served as a vessel and effectively housed The Radiance within a secure temple. Apart from only a temporary respite, the incarceration brought a period of relative peace for Hallownest. However, The Radiance proved to be an entity of enormous and destructive power. Gradually, he exerted his influence on the original Hollow Knight. In the end, he violated his boundaries. The awakening manifested in the form of a nightmare about a blinding light engulfing the residents of Hallownest; it destroyed the fragile peace the kingdom enjoyed.

It is where Hollow Knight’s narrative intersects with player agency. We embody The Knight, a being created from pure emptiness and potentially another attempt to create the perfect vessel. Our goal is twofold: we can defeat our predecessor, the original Hollow Knight, and assume the role of containing The Radiance, or perhaps we have the potential to deliver a definitive final blow, eliminating The Radiance and severing its corrupting influence on the holiest.

In conclusion, narrative exposition has established the richness of the world of Hollow Knight. Having explored the unique characteristics of Hallownest, the motivations of the main characters, and the main conflict driving the plot, we are now well-positioned to delve into the specific mechanics and intricacies of the gaming experience.

Rich World-Building

The charming aspect of Hollow Knight lies in the variety of NPC characters encountered throughout the player’s adventures. Every interaction presents an opportunity to engage with an individual harboring a personal quest or longing. The spectrum of motivations driving the characters is very broad. Chances are, we will find people consumed by greed or driven by an unquenchable thirst for wealth. Others dedicate themselves to the pursuit of arcane knowledge, meticulously uncovering secrets, or meticulously collecting artifacts. Others long for the opportunity to etch their names into the annals of legendary history and strive to achieve some form of glory. Through the interactions, the narrative subtly shows the profound consequences of feeling bestowed: the insects in Hallownest grapple with the existential burden of justifying their newfound consciousness; each searching for purpose and meaning in a world forever changed by the Pale King’s actions.

A Cast of Compelling Characters

The concept of aligning with the principles outlined in the hierarchy of needs was coined by the American psychologist Abraham Maslow. Gradually, Maslow proposed the development of motivational individualism. Once the basic physiological needs for survival are met, individuals seek fulfillment inherently at higher levels such as the search for purpose and meaning in life. In the game, the inhabitants of Hallownest have transcended their basic biological needs through the Pale King’s transformative powers. Visibly, they also have to deal with the same human condition, namely the search for purpose in a world full of existential questions. Variously, their pursuits and desires serve as a sharp reflection of Maslow’s hierarchy; it shows how the inherent human urge to find meaning in existence.

Quirrel: A Case Study

To begin a detailed exploration of the interesting NPC in Hollow Knight, it’s best to start with a character study of Quirrel. Quirrel is a curious and passionate explorer. Fascinated by the myth of Hallownest for reasons he cannot explain, he is just a simple observer. However, he is wise to the dangers of the land and has skills using spikes.

Like The Knight himself, Quierrel suffers from amnesia. His experience at Hallownest was similar to his first encounter in that it gave him a sense of wonder and awe like a child. He derives healthful happiness when the act of exploration itself finds value in simply witnessing the world around him even amidst its ravages. This is exemplified by a quote he said that read: “It’s a special thing I suppose, to cherish these sights, even in their decay.” His sense of purpose derives primarily from the act of observation and his engagement with the world despite his role in its being still shrouded in ambiguity.

Quirrel’s unique quest serves as a particularly charming illustration of the intrinsic human desire to appreciate beauty. The main goal is to witness the source of endless rain covering the City of Tears. Apart from the context of insect civilization, the source may be nothing more than a small trickle coming out of a drain pipe. For Quirrel, the source represents the magic of the unknown and becomes a testament to miracles in the mundane. The immovable fascination underscores how the ability to appreciate the beauty of form is an inherent quality evolving along with the breadth of feeling. It leaps from the limitations of memory and personal experience to emerge as a guiding force forcing individuals to search for meaning and wonder in the world around them.

Quirrel’s final appearance occurs beside a large lake. Here, he expresses feelings of deep gratitude; he acknowledged the hardships he had endured but also found solace in the simple justice of witnessing the wonders of the world. The meeting becomes a touching farewell as the player character does not meet Quirrel again. The implication is clear: he has begun his solo quest to find the source of the rain in the City of Tears. Although the dangers existing beyond Hallownest’s boundaries remain unknown, it is likely that Quirrel ultimately met his end during the expedition. Rather than framing the conclusion as a tragedy, the narrative forces us to see it from a different perspective. Although potentially fatal, Quirrel’s fate represents the fulfillment of his core purpose. He perished not as a victim of circumstances. Rather, he perished as a dead explorer in pursuit of his lifelong curiosity. In such a sense, his death became evidence of the pessimism of eternal values; it is the spirit of yearning for discovery and meaning even when facing enormous risks.

Zote the Mighty: A Different Perspective

With its emphasis on humanity’s constant desire for miracles and exploration, Quirrel’s arc is an interesting introduction to the wealth of characters in Hollow Knight. However, the cast of NPCs in the game goes far beyond introspective pilgrims. The second focal point requires a pivot when we see how Zote the Mighty contrasts Quirrel’s zen contemplation.

At first impression, Zote is a traveler from outside Hallownest; he came to the Kingdom to fulfill a promise. In the end, it is revealed to be a promise of glory for himself. He named his nails Life Ender because the name was thought to have power. Unfortunately, it cannot cause any damage because it is made of shell wood. Indeed, he claims to be the strongest warrior in the land. He is found trapped by weak enemies or claims glory for the deeds of other insects. However, he considers The Knights to be beneath him and accuses them of constantly getting in his way.

While one may be tempted to offer a simple negation, the situation surrounding Zote is more subtle. Apart from declaring himself to be a very famous knight, Zote displays an air of arrogance and a slightly unpleasant attitude. However, the traits of masking his insecurity are more hollow because his grand statements are continually undermined by his unfortunate encounters with danger. In allergic moments, Zote directs a stream of inappropriate criticism our way instead of expressing gratitude for our intervention. Like his self-proclaimed strength, his combat prowess is slightly exaggerated. In a one-on-one physical confrontation, we discover how his attacks are completely ineffective. It became a substance of his lack of true power. Even the weapon he used turned out to be just a wooden nail.

Despite Zote’s outer personality being one of boisterous arrogance, there is a far more disturbing truth hidden beneath the surface—his relentless pursuit of glory verges on obsession showing the insecurity gnawing at him. Whether the gift of consciousness is a gift for most people plays as a cruel curse for Zote. Without the abilities, he simply exists as a weak creature, unaware of his limitations, and destined to become prey to stronger predators. However, his weakness was a constant source of torment because he was burdened with his ability to think. In contrast to mindless insects, Zote has a terrible awareness of his inferiority. In the end, it was impossible to gain true power and the title of “mighty” was elusive.

The Mask Maker and the Mystery of Masks

Another character is the Mask Maker, a character who tells the truth which is very famous despite being in the remote depths of Hallownest but which is tangential to the main conflict of the narrative. Their presence in forgotten caves suggests a long but potentially solitary existence. Despite being dedicated to a particular craft and full of curiosity, the revelations they convey about how the residents of Hallownest adorn themselves with masks are shocking. Indeed, it’s not just a detail. However, the unexpected fact forces us to reevaluate our understanding of the creatures and the role of masks in their lives.

Mask Maker provides a “face” to the faceless Empire. They compare a mask to a face and believe that the face is necessary to define focus and presence. Indeed, they said how they were providing masks for the Kingdom. However, there was not a single mask visible in their room that matched the insect heads found in Hallownest. According to Mask Maker, it’s hard to decipher whether the insect face is a mask or its real face in Hallownest. Additionally, they also know about the vessel corpses being sealed in the Abyss and about the ancient caste’s efforts in taking control of the entirety of Hallownest and also know the nature of the Knight’s Void.

Theories Behind the Masks

The reasons why Hallownest residents are forced to wear masquerade are still shrouded in mystery, giving rise to many interesting interpretations as listed below:

The first is the utilitarian function. The masks served a practical purpose and offered protection from the harsh reality of their existence underground. With its caverns bathed in eternal shadow and filled with dangerous creatures, Hallownest needs such protection. The mask can be designed to filter harmful spores or dust thereby protecting the wearer’s delicate respiratory system. Alternatively, they act as a primitive form of armor and repel attacks from predatory insects.
The second is cultural significance. Masks can transcend practicality and have cultural significance in Hallownest society. They represent a particular social status or affiliation with a particular faction within the insect kingdom. The masks have a religious purpose; they act as a symbol of faith as well as a conduit for the worship of forgotten gods. Their uniform presence at Hallownest could also indicate the existence of caste pressure in conforming.
Lastly is the existential enigma. The most disturbing possibility lies in the mask acting as a metaphor for existential truth. Do the masks represent a form of self-deception or a way for insects to hide their true selves from the world or even from themselves? Possibly, the mask symbolizes a repression of individuality or a collective fear of revealing an individual’s true nature. The exegesis delves into more philosophical territory and suggests a deeper commentary on the nature of identity and societal pressures.

Another interpretation is how the scenery reminds us of ancient Greek theatrical traditions where the people did not wear their faces to embody the characters they portrayed. It is possible to speculate how insects burdened by the perception of homogeneity are eager to express their unique identity through the use of the mask. Alternatively, they perceive a disturbing aversion to their natural physiognomy that forces them to seek a different outward appearance.

Mask Maker shrouded in an enigmatic aura usually hide their faces behind a series of masks. However, glimpses can be lost of his true face on rare occasions; it displays eyes resembling a stagnant pool where the depths are filled with a deep red color. However, the impact is truly disturbing.

Dreams and Identity

From a psychological perspective, Carl Jung argued how individuals have a collection of personas, analogous to masks, which they adopt strategically by the dictates of the social environment. He views the personas as the outward manifestation of a more fundamental construct of a unified gestalt or field of consciousness that transcends individual differences and forms a shared human experience. Perhaps, the masks worn by the insects represent an aspect of their innate drive to develop a distinct sense of identity. Another perspective is how the masks symbolize the rebellion against the primal consciousness of The Radiance having essentially enslaved them within the confines of the unified mind.

Lastly, we must turn our attention to the realm of dreams a topic permeating the fabric of Hallownest. The Radiance is shown to be related to the realm of dreams, and people argue its existence only in the ethereal domain. Apart from that, the residents of Hallownest themselves are proven to be able to dream. As discussed previously, the dreams appear to be purposeful and reflect the insect’s longing for meaning and the formation of individual identity. Even more interesting is the notion of how certain insects beyond physical death survive in the realm of dreams as a form of ethereal echo.

Regardless of how one might say there is a tangential connection to the nightmare imagery found in the game Bloodborne, the dream concept in Hallownest still presents an interesting narrative aspect. Dreams are intrinsically linked to the presence of conscious thought. It is a realm where thoughts, desires, and fears merge into a multifaceted experience unique to the dreamer. Therefore, the widespread presence of dreams throughout Hallownest forces us to consider the nature of consciousness in the insect inhabitants. Do their dreams represent rudimentary forms of feeling or even fragmented echoes of consciousness once united but divided under the influence of The Radiance?

The Pale King and the Burden of Dreams

In Hallownest, there is a poem quote that has all the characteristics of a poetic lament. It provides a sharp glimpse into the complex relationships between its inhabitants and the entities they revere. The poem reads: “Our cherished dreams you granted and delivered more, but in dismay, you found too late our desires had no end. What cost to tame our savagery? You gave your all and then gave more. Yet still, desires lay unquenched, more dreams remain, your energies spent.” The quote begins with an expression of gratitude and acknowledging the fulfillment of cherished dreams. However, a note of despair quickly permeates the poem as the realization emerges of how the desires are never satisfied. Then, it raises the question of contemplating the ultimate consequences of efforts to quell the savagery that exists within insects. It ends with a sense of tragic futility as the yearning for more dreams remains unfulfilled as the entity’s energy proves drained.

Filled with a melancholy atmosphere, the verses can be interpreted as a veiled commentary on the actions of the Pale King. In his efforts to alleviate the suffering of the insects, it is alleged that the King attempted to quell their tormenting dreams. Perhaps the act of becoming conscious brings with it a crushing awareness of the unsettling awareness of their insignificance in the vastness of existence. The new awareness has triggered an existential crisis. The dream of meaning or light was once a symbol of hope and aspiration and was then transformed into a tool of torture. Burdened by his people’s suffering, the Pale King has attempted to extinguish the dreams and not as a path to enlightenment but rather as a desperate attempt to offer a form of solace; it represents protection from the heavy burden of their newfound self-awareness.

Parallels Between Insects and Humans

Effectively, Hollow Knight establishes an interesting parallel between the struggles of its insectoid characters and humanity’s search for meaning. While insects may seem insignificant compared to the vastness of the human world, humanity itself is also insignificant compared to the universe. In that way, the game forces us to reflect on the methods we employ to create a sense of identity and purpose.

Just as the characters in Hallownest wear masks to define themselves, we always find ourselves relying on superficial markers like brand names to construct identities. Like Zote the Mighty, some of us seek validation by bragging about our job titles or educational accomplishments. Despite these efforts, the fundamental human struggle to find meaning continues.

As Quirrel points out, the most profound meaning lies in simple observation. Amid decline, the ability to appreciate the beauty and majesty of the world can be a powerful resource. Subtly, the game encourages us to consider embarking on our quest to uncover the great mystery and reflects on The Knight’s journey.

Exploration and Visual Design

One of the most interesting aspects of Hollow Knight is also the incredible freedom given to the player. True to its Metroidvania roots, the game encourages exploration within the vast and labyrinthine world of Hallownest; it often does not provide clear directions. Despite the fear one might feel about wandering, the game rewards players at almost every turn. The rewards come in the form of new characters, challenging mini-bosses, interconnected areas, and stunning visuals.

Indeed, Hallownest is in a remote state. However, the game’s visuals have stunning quality which is always a protection during play. Expertly, Team Cherry uses a contrasting color palette; they utilize backgrounds of muted, desaturated tones to juxtapose the lively, colorful characters and elements of the world. The captivating aesthetic forces players to linger to admire the art poured into every pixelated scene.

Conclusion

Visual brilliance is more than just aesthetics; it serves to guide and subtly enhance the gaming experience. The level design incorporates many intersections and entrances, strategically placed to prevent the player from feeling lost. Each entrance features unique concept art serving as a visual reminder of the content found in the respective area. Another interesting aspect of Hollow Knight is the lack of traditional cutscenes. Despite being heavily story-driven, the narrative unfolds primarily through environmental details and visual storytelling. The approach encourages players to be attentive, rewarding them for taking the time to appreciate the intricacies of the world rather than simply rushing through it.

Bibliography

Calxylian

Hollow Knight: Darkness Calls in the Kingdom of Masks

Inspiration and Similarities