Hollow Knight Bosses

How does the world look to this creature, gazing out from within its crystal prison? Does it see only light? Is that what drives it into a frenzy?

They're coming...

What's inside of you...

Strip it out!

- No Eyes

Some rare creatures are so weak, so helpless, so inept and so irritating that hunting them gives no pleasure.

In the deepest darkness, there are beasts who wear faces stolen from your memories and pluck at the strings in your heart. Know yourself, and stay strong.

Where these strange warriors go, whispers follow them. Not only are they skilled with a nail, they can also use some strange power to shift suddenly from place to place. Stay on guard.

The canyon below us, the one thick with fog and crackling with strange energy... a Hunter can lose their senses down there. Be careful... strange and unnatural things lurk there.

Never forget what once was lost, yet do not let it tie you down.

- Elder Hu

"O God inspired, master of arts,

Whose works shall eternal endure,

Peer beyond Our minds and hearts,

Reveal to Us the God most pure!"

- Prayer to the Artist

A shadow that sometimes flits through the caverns, making strange noises to itself. I've never seen it clearly so I have no idea what type of creature it is.

The bugs of Hallownest tried all kinds of tricks and rituals and prayers to rid themselves of the infection. But to no avail! Perhaps the infection came from somewhere deep inside of them that they could not escape.

The shape of this creature... I have seen something like it before. More than once, perhaps. It looks a little like the bugs of Hallownest, but not quite the same. Where did these empty little wanderers come from?

"Sagely God of the cunning and bold,

Sharpen Our nails and show Us the odds,

O greatest of masters, We wish to behold,

That one still greater, the God of Gods!"

- Prayer to the Sage

Weak creatures love to steal the strength of others. Their lives are brief and fearful, and they yearn to have the power to dominate those who have dominated them.

The plague, the infection, the madness that haunts the corpses of Hallownest... the light that screams out from the eyes of this dead Kingdom. What is the source? I suppose mere mortals like myself will never understand.

I have felt that desire. The desire to take the infection into myself. To become stronger, more powerful... these thoughts haunt my dreams during the darkest times. A false hope, but it can burn so brilliantly in one's mind.

Some creatures are born with duties and loyalties marked indelibly upon their minds. They are strong, but they are also slaves.

The old King of Hallownest... he must have been desperate to save his crumbling little world. The sacrifices he imposed on others... all for nothing.

If you believe in something as hard as you can, with your eyes shut tight... eventually it will come true!

- Marmu

"The expanse of dream in past was split,

One realm now must stay apart,

Darkest reaches, beating red,

Terror of sleep. The Nightmare's Heart."

- Seer

Fighting for 'honour', or for 'loyalty'... you may as well be fighting for dust. If you want to kill, do it for your own sake. That is the nature of a true Hunter.

A life defined by tragedy and triumph. A death marred by sorrow and regret. A spirit burdened by sins and memories. Better to wander the world than be cursed with glory.

- Xero

The Mantis tribe and the bugs of old Hallownest had no love for each other. The Mantises outlived their rivals though, and their civilisation still stands.

"My love, any creature who could bear to be away from you, who would willingly leave you behind or say unkind things to you... Pah! Lowly maggots, not worthy of standing in your glorious shadow!"

She felt her cold body grow warm, a sensation she had almost forgotten...

- 'The Grey Prince' Chapter 112

There is strength in numbers, yes, but these creatures never had much strength to begin with. Cut through their trickery!

I hear this beast crying out sometimes as I prowl the caverns, although I've never actually laid eyes on it. Who or what is it calling for? As far as I can tell, its voice is never answered.

May your efforts lead you somewhere worthy.

- Markoth

The desire to breed, to leave behind a memory of ourselves in the shape of a child... it seems to be etched deep into the heart of every living creature. I too have felt the pull of that base instinct.

"Gods by toil and nail bound,

Brothers sworn to guard the weak,

Masters of the sacred ground,

Help Us find the God We seek!"

- Prayer to the Masters

I have seen this nimble little creature. I thought her prey and pounced at her, but with a flash she stabbed me with her flying stinger and darted away. Could she be... a Hunter?

A filthy creature that is happy to chew on any old thing it finds discarded on the cavern floor. When it notices a threat it will annoyingly scream and shriek, so kill it swiftly.

Bizarrely, this monster does not lay eggs but instead carries its young inside of its fat stomach. This strange practice seems to exhaust the creature, making it sleepy and vulnerable. Take advantage!

When these silent warriors fall in battle, their bodies split open and strange bugs come flying out. I wonder, what will come flying out of me when I die? Will my hopes and fears drift away into the darkness?

A Knight strives not only to protect the land and its people, but the hopes and dreams of the kingdom.

- Galien

"Through dream I travel, at lantern's call,

To consume the flames of a kingdom's fall."

- Grimm

I am Gorb!

- Gorb

Some hunters train beasts to join them in chasing down prey. I tried it once, but couldn't resist the urge to test my companion's strength against mine.