Team Cherry

The sad and dark story of Hornet, the protagonist of Silksong who accompanies the Knight during Hollow Knight

This enigmatic character faced the protagonist several times in the kingdom of Hallownest, although it would be incorrect to say that they are enemies.

Roberto Barragán Gabriel Huerta

Update: Sep 3rd, 2025 01:55 CEST

Hollow Knight Silksong has been the most eagerly awaited video game for many years, but the long wait is finally over. Now, with the release of Team Cherry’s new adventure starring Hornet, it’s the perfect time to shed some light on the origin and history of the character we met in Hallownest shortly after meeting the Knight.

Note: for obvious reasons, spoilers for Hollow Knight are included below

The story of Hornet in Hollow Knight

First of all, it’s important to note that Hornet’s story remains open-ended, as no one knows how Team Cherry will fit the remaining pieces—and new ones—of the puzzle together as she progresses on her journey to the top of Distant Land, which is the name of the kingdom we’ll be exploring in Hollow Knight Silksong.

This feminine-looking character, dressed in crimson robes and capable of cutting through the wind with her sharp stinger, was conceived by the Pale King of Hallownest and Herrah the Beast, shortly after they did the same with the Hollow Knight or First Knight (the one who failed in his mission to destroy The Radiance). There are no records indicating that Hornet is the result of experiments with the void, and logic tells us that this is in fact impossible, since the vessels have no gender, while everyone refers to her as a woman. She acted as the protector of the gender, which is why she was hostile towards anyone who dared to set foot in it, as was the case with the Knight (the protagonist of Hollow Knight).

On more than one occasion, Hornet is extremely hostile towards the Knight, and the reason is none other than that she wants to prove her worth, as she is aware—although it is not very clear how—of his goal to locate and put an end to The Radiance’s tyranny. In the past, Hornet discovered the sad fate that awaited Herrah, who pledged to become one of the Dreamers tasked with sleeping eternally to contain The Radiance. As the game progresses and the final battle approaches, it becomes clear that Hornet is no longer the Knight’s “enemy.” Well, deep down, she never really was...

Are Hornet and the Knight brothers?

This is a question that many people have asked over the years, and the answer is no. You could say that they are ‘like brothers’ or ‘half-brothers’, rather, as both are considered sons of the Pale King. However, that is the only bond that unites them, as they were not born by the same method of conception nor do they belong to the same mother. Now, with a new adventure ahead, more questions will soon arise about Hornet’s history, and surely each and every one of them will be resolved once and for all. Or not.