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It is easy to see why Hollow Knight has become one of the most celebrated indie titles of the last several years. With it's 'breadcrumb' approach to story details and a delightfully mysterious protagonist, Hollow Knight sucks players into its world from the moment the Knight arrives in Hallownest. Very few games - indie or otherwise - can match the perfect mixture of challenging gameplay, intriguing world-building, and addictive storytelling that Team Cherry has conjured up.
Due to the nature of Hollow Knight's intentionally vague approach to story, there are some concepts and areas of the game that benefit from further exploration. With its importance to the overall story, Void is a great example of this. In the later stages of the game, the Knight is tasked with visiting The Abyss, an area that is found in the absolute depths of Hallownest. This is where Void is encountered.
Keep in mind that certain aspects of any story may be left vague on purpose. Sometimes there are no right or wrong answers. By using the Journal, lore markers, and Dream Nail dialogue, we can piece together as much as possible.
What is The Void in Hollow Knight?
Void is incredibly important to the lore of Hollow Knight. Players who casually explore Hallownest may barely know of its existence, yet it permeates through almost everything in the game world. In its basic physical form, it is experienced as the darkness that overflows from the Abyss and the liquid that fills the Void Sea. It gives form to the siblings, shadow entities that rise from the depths to attack the Knight when he first descends to the lowest levels. It forms the shade that remains when the Knight's physical body is killed.
In broader terms, Void is one of two opposing forces found in the world of Hollow Knight. Its eternal enemy is the light, represented by beings like Radiance. When first encountered, Void is in a chaotic, unharnessed state, lashing out at everything it encounters.
The Pale King and Void:
Long before the events of Hollow Knight, The Pale King, the original Monarch of Hallownest, attempted to use the power of Void to seal away Radiance. This resulted in the creation of the Hollow Knight, Hornet, and the Knight. The King chose the Hollow Knight as his best option, and though it failed, his actions set in motion the events that make up Hollow Knight.
The Knight and Void
The main protagonist of Hollow Knight, a nameless, voiceless bug known simply as the Knight, would not exist without the considerable power of Void. Created by the Pale King as a potential vessel to contain Radiance, the Knight was eventually discarded in favor of their sibling, the Hollow Knight. Left in the bottom of the Abyss with the countless other discarded vessels, the Knight eventually made their way to the exit. Shortly after, they left Hallownest, not to return until the events of the game.
How the Knight Uses Void
When the Knight is first introduced, there isn't much of a hint as to their origins in the Abyss. However, as he journeys through Hallownest, gaining abilities and access to spells, it becomes clear that their strength is tied directly to the darkness. Each spell is upgraded to a 'darker' form, their descriptions mentioning the Abyss and shadow. While all of this points to a deep connection with the Void, nothing shows the Knight's fundamental connection to the darkness like the Voidheart charm.
Voidheart Charm and Void-Based Endings
The Voidheart charm is acquired late in Hollow Knight and plays a central role in multiple endings. As previously mentioned, Void is in a raw, unharnessed state when first encountered. Acquiring the Voidheart allows the Knight to harness the power of the Void, uniting it under their will. Once this occurs, the Void is no longer a threat to the Knight, and they are free to pass through the Abyss without being attacked.
Achieving the 'Dream No More' Ending:
This ending is achieved by following these steps:
- Acquire the Voidheart charm.
- When Hornet creates an opening, use the Dream Nail on the Hollow Knight.
- Defeat Radiance
Defeating Radiance is a challenge it itself. Learn her moveset, stay dedicated, and victory will come. Near the end of the fight, the Knight will call the shades of their siblings into the fight. Near the finale, the shade of the Hollow Knight enters the fray, creating a weak spot for the Knight to attack. The Knight fully embraces the Void inside, changing into their shade form and utterly consuming Radiance. Following the fight, the shades that had been in the Abyss can be seen returning to the ground.
Achieving the 'Embrace the Void' Ending:
Players must have access to the Godmaster DLC. Once acquired, follow these steps:
- Deliver a Delicate Flower to the Godseeker, found in the southwestern corner of Royal Waterways (Junk Pit). This is not completely necessary, but is generally considered the 'good' version.
- After acquiring the Voidheart charm, visit the Godhome.
- Complete the Pantheon of Hollownest
- Defeat Absolute Radiance.
Getting through the pantheon is an incredibly difficult task, but with perseverance, it is manageable. The end of the fight with Absolute Radiance is similar to the 'Dream No More' Radiance fight, with just a couple of slight differences. Instead of the siblings appearing, the Knight turns into the Void Entity. With their power fully realized, the Entity destroys Absolute Radiance, leaving only essence in her wake. Once the fight is over, Void is seen attempting to leak from the Godseeker in the Junk Pit. If the flower was delivered, it seems to contain the void. However, if no flower was delivered, void appears to escape before the scene cuts to black.
Final Notes on Void:
Void exists in some form throughout all of Hallownest. From the depths of the Abyss to the Temple of the Black Egg in the Forgotten Crossroads. Darkness leaks from the Abyss and ascends throughout all the realms. It is the primary means by which the hero of the story is capable of defeating their enemy. It is the very foundation of the Knight's existence.
Hollow Knight is available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.