One of several NPCs that can be interacted with in Hollow Knight, Quirrel is an inquisitive individual that introduces themselves as an explorer. He is fascinated with the ruins of Hallownest and will provide players with context for different locations, but explains that he can’t explain his draw towards the kingdom.
Although it’s not necessary for players to interact with Quirrel in each location, doing so will shed light on the lore of Hollow Knight and provide clues for where they can go next. Speaking to Quirrel after a specific boss fight will also reward players with The Witness achievement.
Quirrel can first be found at the Temple of the Black Egg in the Forgotten Crossroads. After marveling at the structure of the Temple, Quirrel will mention that he has chosen the perfect time to explore Hallownest as the kingdom is springing back to life.
Next, players will encounter Quirrel at the Lake of Unn in Greenpath. Inside a small hut will be a bench where players can rest, and Quirrel will be cleaning his Nail. Quirrel will mention that there is a Moss Knight outside that is intrigued by the Lake, hinting to the player that this is an area of importance. After players have obtained Isma’s Tear, they will be able to travel across the acid lake safely. Speaking to Quirrel here will also let players know that the Moss Knight will become hostile after interacting with them, as Quirrel explains that he wanted to have his Nail ready in case their meeting went sour.
After players traverse through the Fog Canyon for the first time, they will come across the Queen’s Station, which leads to the Fungal Wastes. Quirrel can be found here taking in the sights and expressing admiration for the old transport tunnels.
Later when players discover the Mantis Village, Quirrel’s dialogue alludes to the Nailsmith, who can be found in the City of Tears. Quirrel will be sitting at a bench when players first enter the capital city of Hallownest, where he will talk about wanting to see the source of the city’s endless rain. This is a hint for players for where to find Quirrel later after he has recalled his true purpose.
The next place where Quirrel can be found is in a Hot Spring in Deepnest, having a well-earned soak and rest after players discover the Failed Tramway. Here, Quirrel will mention the Distant Village that can be found to the far west of Deepnest, where players can eventually find Herrah the Beast after they have acquired the Dream Nail.
Quirrel can also be found in the Crystal Peak, saddened at the fate of the miners who toil endlessly and seemingly mindlessly. He will leave once players collect the Crystal Heart.
Initially, the central area of Fog Canyon will be blocked by a Shade Gate, but after obtaining the Shade Cloak or using Isma’s Tear to enter from the entrance in the Fungal Wastes, players will be able to find Monomon, one of the three Dreamers.
Outside the Teachers Archives, Quirrel will be inspecting the entrance and begins to understand that there was something calling him to this place. After players enter the Archives, Quirrel will no longer appear in the previous locations.
When players go inside, they will find several lore tablets that contain disorganized findings and research notes made by Monomon. Further inside is Uumuu, the boss that guards the Dreamer, it is immune to the player’s Nail and Spell attacks due to the protective membrane that covers the core. However, Quirrel will appear aids the Knight by slashing through Uumuu’s defenses to give players a chance to attack.
Once Uumuu has been defeated, players can find a large seemingly empty tank and Quirrel will join them here. With his memories recovered, Quirrel will explain that he played a pivotal role in safeguarding Monomon, but he was recalled to Hallownest to lift this protection for the Knight to complete their quest. After the player breaks Monomon’s seal, Quirrel will remain in the Teacher’s Archives until the Knight leaves.
To the far west of the Resting Grounds is the Blue Lake. It is directly above the City of Tears and is the reason for the constant rain in the city. After defeating Uumuu and killing Monomon, players will find Quirrel sitting at the shore, and he will explain that he finally feels at peace. Speaking to him here will award players with The Witness achievement.
If players return to the Blue Lake after this encounter, Quirrel’s Nail will be there, but he has disappeared. Where he goes is anyone’s guess.
Hollow Knight is available on PC, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.