Pharloom is a kingdom of silk and song, a stark contrast to the decaying, stygian depths of Hallownest. In Hollow Knight: Silksong, the focus shifts from a silent vessel to Hornet, the Princess-Protector of Hallownest. This shift in protagonist fundamentally changes how characters interact with the world. Unlike the original Knight, Hornet speaks, possesses a complex history, and interacts with a cast of bugs who are often on their own active pilgrimages.

The inhabitants of Pharloom are diverse, ranging from lithe fencers and cartographers to flamboyant stage masters and devout pilgrims. Understanding these characters is essential for navigating the vertical, perilous climb to the Shining Citadel. This is a comprehensive look at every confirmed character name, their role in the story, and how they influence the gameplay of this highly anticipated sequel.

The Protagonist: Hornet and Her New Ambitions

Hornet is no longer a mysterious rival encountered in the greenery of Greenpath; she is the center of the narrative. In Silksong, Hornet is captured and brought to the distant kingdom of Pharloom. After escaping her cage, she finds herself at the bottom of a kingdom she must ascend.

A More Vocal Hero

One of the most significant changes in character design is Hornet’s voice. In our analysis of early gameplay footage and demos, Hornet’s dialogue reveals a personality that is sharp, regal, yet surprisingly empathetic toward the downtrodden bugs of Pharloom. This allows for a more traditional quest system where NPCs give specific instructions and react to Hornet's lineage.

Mechanical Identity

Hornet's identity as a character is tied to her movement. Her primary weapon is the Needle, and her resource is Silk. Unlike the Knight’s Soul-based healing, Hornet uses "Bind" to rapidly repair her shell using silk gathered from striking enemies. This mechanical shift makes the characters she meets—especially those providing upgrades—critical to the player's survival.

The Rivals: Those Who Block the Path

In Pharloom, not every bug is a friend. Some see Hornet as a threat to their pilgrimage, while others are simply testing their mettle against a legendary warrior.

Lace: The Gilded Fencer

Lace is perhaps the most prominent new character in Silksong. Described as a lithe, mysterious fencer, she serves as a recurring antagonist. Lace wields a gilded pin—a traditional weapon of Pharloom—and her combat style is elegant and deadly.

In our practical observations of her boss fight, Lace utilizes high-speed parries and lunges that require the player to master Hornet’s acrobatic dash. Her relationship with Hornet is one of professional rivalry and mutual respect, often engaging in banter before and after combat. She represents the "Song" aspect of the kingdom—graceful but piercing.

The Second Sentinel

Guarding the approach to the Citadel, the Second Sentinel is another formidable foe. While less is known about their specific backstory, they represent the institutional barriers within Pharloom. Their design suggests a connection to the kingdom's higher castes, acting as a gatekeeper for those attempting the pilgrimage to the peak.

Trobbio: Master of the Stage

Trobbio is a flamboyant butterfly who considers himself a master of the stage, the brush, and the voice. While he may appear comedic, he is a capable combatant who seeks fame and adoration. Trobbio represents the "performative" nature of Pharloom’s culture, where status and visibility are as important as martial skill.

Key Allies and Fellow Travelers

Pharloom is a land of pilgrims. Many NPCs are not stationary shopkeepers but fellow travelers who Hornet will encounter multiple times across different biomes.

Shakra: The Fierce Cartographer

Every Metroidvania needs a guide, and Shakra fills the role that Cornifer held in the first game, but with a warrior's edge. Shakra is a fierce fighter searching for her missing master. She provides Hornet with maps of the sprawling kingdom, from the Moss Grotto to the Deep Docks.

Unlike Cornifer, who stayed tucked away in safe corners, Shakra is often found in the thick of danger. Her presence reinforces the theme that in Pharloom, everyone must be able to fight to survive.

Sherma: The Devout Pilgrim

Sherma is a fan-favorite character known for his optimism and spiritual fervor. He is a devout pilgrim on a journey to the Citadel, but he lacks the combat prowess of Hornet or Shakra. This leads to several "escort-adjacent" interactions where Hornet must clear a path or assist him in his spiritual journey. Sherma’s dialogue provides much of the game’s emotional grounding, offering a glimpse into the faith that drives the bugs of Pharloom to climb ever higher.

Garmond and Zaza

This duo consists of Garmond, an older, talkative bug, and Zaza, his noble steed. They are refugees searching for a new home after their village was destroyed. Their interactions with Hornet are often charming and provide a sense of the broader tragedy affecting the kingdom. Zaza, despite being a steed, has a distinct personality that resonates with players who enjoy the "companion" dynamic in fantasy settings.

The Merchants of Pharloom: Tools and Upgrades

Pharloom operates on a currency known as Rosaries. Unlike Geo, which was often scattered aimlessly, Rosaries feel like a more formalized currency of a functioning (if troubled) society. The merchants who take this currency are vital for Hornet’s progression.

Pinmaster Plinney

Plinney is a crucial NPC located early in the game. He specializes in "Pins" and tools. Since Hornet uses a variety of craftable tools—like Pimpillo bombs and Sting Shards—Plinney acts as the primary source for expanding Hornet’s tactical arsenal. His workshop is a hub for players looking to customize their "build" for specific boss encounters.

The Bell Hermit

Crests are to Silksong what Charms were to Hollow Knight. The Bell Hermit is the character responsible for managing these Crests. By interacting with the Bell Hermit, Hornet can change her loadout, which alters her stats and how her silk abilities function. The design of the Bell Hermit, heavily inspired by the "Song" motif of Pharloom, suggests a deep connection to the kingdom's ancient traditions.

Forge-Daughter

While Hornet’s needle is a legendary weapon, it requires refinement. The Forge-Daughter provides the necessary smithing services to increase the damage and reach of Hornet’s attacks. Her presence in the game highlights the "Silk" aspect, as the refinement of needles is a central craft in Pharloom culture.

Relic Seeker Scrounge and Grindle

These merchants focus on the lore and rare items found throughout the world. Scrounge, in particular, mirrors the role of Lemm from the first game, offering Rosaries in exchange for artifacts that tell the history of Pharloom. Grindle is a more opportunistic merchant, often found in shadier locations, selling items that might be of questionable origin but high utility.

The Pilgrims and the Flea Caravan

Pharloom feels inhabited because of the "background" NPCs that populate its paths. The road to the Citadel is dotted with various pilgrims:

  • The Scared Pilgrim: A bug who illustrates the sheer terror the kingdom’s heights can inspire.
  • The Solemn Pilgrim: A character who provides cryptic lore about the "Old Songs" that once governed the land.
  • The Flea Caravan: A traveling group of bugs that offer a sense of community in the wilderness. Finding and interacting with the Flea Caravan often results in unique trading opportunities or minor side quests.

How Pharloom Characters Differ from Hallownest NPCs

In Hollow Knight, the NPCs were often remnants of a fallen civilization—ghosts, shells, or bugs slowly losing their minds to the Infection. Pharloom feels different. The characters here are active, motivated, and often competitive.

The Competition for the Peak

In Hallownest, the Knight was often the only one moving toward the center of the world. In Pharloom, there is a literal race to the top. Characters like Lace and Trobbio aren't just standing around waiting to talk; they are on their own missions that happen to intersect with Hornet's. This creates a dynamic world where the player feels like one of many actors in a larger drama.

The Influence of the "Song"

Pharloom’s curse or condition is tied to sound and music. Many NPCs reflect this in their design. The Bell Hermit uses sound to manipulate silk; Trobbio sings his way through conflict. This thematic consistency ensures that every character name Hornet learns feels like it belongs to the specific culture of this new land.

Potential Returning Faces and Hallownest Connections

While Silksong is a standalone sequel, it cannot entirely escape the shadow of Hallownest.

The Five Great Knights

References to Hallownest’s Great Knights—Ze'mer, Dryya, Isma, Hegemol, and Ogrim—appear in the lore of Pharloom. While most are confirmed dead or elsewhere, their influence on Hornet’s combat style and her sense of duty is palpable. Exploring Pharloom often reveals how the "outside world" views the fallen kingdom of Hallownest, sometimes through the eyes of merchants who have traveled between the two lands.

Mister Mushroom

The enigmatic Mister Mushroom, who had a secret ending in the first game, is heavily rumored and teased to return. His ability to traverse different realms makes him the perfect bridge between the two games, providing a meta-commentary on the nature of the Hollow Knight universe.

The 150+ Foes: Characters in Combat

In a Metroidvania, the enemies are as much a part of the cast as the friendly NPCs. With over 150 new enemies confirmed, Pharloom is teeming with life.

  • The Bell Knights: Heavily armored guards that use sound waves to disorient Hornet.
  • Moss-covered Hunters: Fast, agile predators in the Moss Grotto that mimic Hornet’s own movements.
  • Clockwork Assassins: Found in the upper reaches of the Citadel, these mechanical-organic hybrids represent the advanced technology of Pharloom.

Each of these enemies has a name and a place in the ecological hierarchy of the kingdom, contributing to the feeling that Pharloom is a living, breathing world.

Why 2025 is the Year of Pharloom’s Inhabitants

While official release dates have been subject to much speculation, the depth of character detail provided in demos and trailers suggests a game that is narrative-rich. The characters of Silksong are not just quest-givers; they are the heart of the experience. They challenge Hornet’s ideals, upgrade her gear, and provide a mirror to her own history as the Princess of a fallen land.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silksong Characters

Who is the main character in Hollow Knight Silksong?

The protagonist is Hornet, the princess-protector of Hallownest. She is a swift, vocal, and agile warrior who uses a needle and silk thread to fight and navigate the kingdom of Pharloom.

Is the Knight from the first game in Silksong?

Currently, there is no evidence that the Knight (the protagonist of the first game) appears in Silksong. The game focuses entirely on Hornet’s journey in a new kingdom far from Hallownest.

Who is Lace in Silksong?

Lace is a primary rival and boss character. She is a skilled fencer who uses a gilded pin. Hornet encounters her multiple times throughout the game, and their relationship is a central part of the narrative.

What do merchants sell in Silksong?

Merchants like Pinmaster Plinney sell tools, traps, and weapons. Others, like the Bell Hermit, provide Crests that allow Hornet to customize her abilities and playstyle.

Does Hornet talk to NPCs?

Yes, unlike the silent Knight, Hornet is fully voiced (in the game's bug-language) and has extensive dialogue options. This allows for more complex storytelling and character development.

How many characters are in Silksong?

While an exact count of friendly NPCs is not yet finalized, there are dozens of quest-givers and merchants, along with over 150 unique enemy types that populate the world of Pharloom.

Summary: A Kingdom Defined by Its People

Hollow Knight: Silksong promises a cast of characters that is more active and diverse than its predecessor. From the graceful deadly strikes of Lace to the bumbling but earnest pilgrimage of Sherma, the bugs of Pharloom bring the kingdom to life. Hornet’s journey is not just a physical climb to the Shining Citadel, but a social one, as she navigates the rivalries, faiths, and needs of a new world. Whether you are seeking upgrades from Pinmaster Plinney or lore from Shakra, the characters of Silksong ensure that every step of the ascent is filled with personality and purpose.