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Lurien The Watcher - Blog Posts
Преходы/коридоры города...
Немного о характере Лурьена, который, может быть довольно противоречивым...
С одной стороны - он мягкий и добродушный юноша (мой хедканон на его возраст), любящий рисовать пейзажи, и долгие посиделки с чашечкой чая под звук дождя. С другой - он серьёзный и рассудительный руководитель города, способный, если это необходимо, быть жестким.
Потому, такие вот рисунки: Лурьен как "Домашняя-милашка", и как "#ТыжМерСтолицы". :,D
Давненько ничего не выкладывала...
В общем, вот :
Некоторые зарисовки на Лурьена. То, как он мог бы выглядеть под плащом и маской. Я представляю его, как жука того же вида что и Эмилития, только с врождёнными дефектами, мутацией. Глаз один, и рога развились очень слабо, того что на затылке вовсе нет.
Ну, и почему бы не предствить, что у их вида глаза бывали не только чёрными.
P.S. и куда же без хедканона о трудоголизме...
BEWARE! The Pale King is kidnapping children!
I've been thinking about making little dreamers for a while now because they're cute and I'm unemployed. Herrah is an extremely biting, evil and cute little spider (it's passed down genetically), Monomon is a funny ball that flies and glows, and Lurien is just constantly worried (a funny little man).
The White Lady is thinking of beating her husband because he is ruining their reputation in the kingdom.
Lurien actually enjoys spending time with Hornet. She is actually a much calmer child when her mother is away.
Also, there have been a lot of people here lately. English is not my native language, so I apologize for any mistakes :)
More color palette challenges, this time with the Dreamers! Once again, the palettes are from @color-palettes and were chosen based on title
Monomon - Deep Sea Science
Herrah - I’m Sorry That I Left You There in the Darkness
Lurien - Are You Aware of My Presence, Watching and Unbreathing?
I have no excuse other than this popped into my head and wouldn't leave until I drew it shdjkfls
Redraw of the man.
I love him.
GIGGLES HI IM ALIVE AND WELL, AND UH NOT DEAD :DDDDDD
I uh, have some pictures of the sillies.. we got Grimm, TPK aka Abner- We got Lurien the Simp and The Lifeblood creature :]
Basically got new markers and coloured in some old pics. Also yes I did forget to date the colouring for Grimm. Hope you enjoy these human designs of silly bugs ♡
I dont know what I'm doing, so heres something...
Also cats out the bag that I like Grimm x PK, so uh, yeah, roast me if you wanna cuz I cant think of a reason I like it atm, but I also absolutely love PK x WL and I like that Lurien is his biggest simp lol. So yeah. Uh.
This is stupid, this is all stupid. I wanna leave, it's all so complicated.
Teehee made this for an art project
It's neat to think that the reason the dreamers became such is because they were loyal to the people they had ward over first and foremost
Herrah as deepnest's queen is loyal to her people, integrating the metal crests of the devours and the weavers in the den
Monotone, who set up her archive as neutral ground is loyal to those that she taught
Lurien, while loyal to the king, is suggested by the decoration in his main chamber to be loyal to hallownest and its people first
They all care about the people under them before they care for anything else
For all their differences, it's really telling that all three Dreamers became Seals because of the exact same reason.
I'll love to see the fandom explore this aspect of the Dreamers. Think of all the fluff and angst one can create in the fandom while drawing on canon!
What is with the Dreamers' Houses?!?! Part 4.0 : What We Know that We Don't Know
At last! We have analyzed all the Dreamers' houses!
One last thing about the design of the Dreamer's houses and how they reflect each Dreamer's character. Throughout this analysis, we have been discussing what we can tell about the Dreamer's character from what we see, but we have yet to discuss about what we don't see.
With Herrah, we see the entirety of her den while we are barred from most of the Village. As such, we can guess more about Herrah's character than her people. Though I must admit that there is a bunch we can’t see due to being part dragon and part plant, but not part spider. Which means we can’t climb to the ceiling. But we DO see most of her house compared to most of the Dreamers. How this translates to the essay is all that we don’t see of Herrah is because we don’t have access to Weaver culture.
But alas, I still must guess how much we don’t know we don’t have access to in Herrah’s den. We must be missing more than Hornet's baby clothes!
With Monomon, we can guess that there is more to the Achieves, such as the classrooms, but that is a mere guess so we cannot comment on Monomon's character in that regard. But with Lurien…
We are canonically barred from seeing the entire Spire.
The green arrow is pointing to another hallway which we cannot enter in game. We know that this is another hallway as the wallpaper design is blurred out due to distance, unlike the wallpaper right next to Little Knight.
For reference, this screenshot was taken right after you successfully got past the part which requires Monarch Wings and takes you up into Lurien's Spire. AKA. Right at the bottom of the Spire. Which means THERE ARE ENTIRE SECTIONS OF THE WATCHER'S SPIRE RIGHT UP TO THE BALLROOM WHICH WE DON'T SEE! Check this map here!
Yellow marks the Door on the second level. Blue is the entire area that we are barred from seeing.
This is not the only section we are barred from seeing.
The Red is the entire section of the Spire which we don't see. Remember, we only go up the elevator to Lurien which is reflected in the map.
Now, do you remember these hallway pictures I showed you? The ones where Team Cherry showed 3-D in a 2-D world?
In order to achieve this effect, that window must be some ways away from the main hallway where we are standing. Far enough to create enough distance for a hallway by the window. Meaning there is a WHOLE ANOTHER HALLWAY leading who knows where!
There is another possible section of the Spire that we are unable to access.
These appear to be supporting the Watcher's Spire. Now, they could either be pillars and thus inaccessible to anyone, not just the player. Or, they are other towers supporting the main tower to the Spire, which means that not only is there entire section worth the height of the main Spire which we can't see, but whole towers as well!
Again, this is speculation. If anything, these towers outside Lurien's Spire are most likely supports for his own Spire as something needs to support the weight of the tallest spire in the City.
And we haven’t even touched the rooms belonging to the servants!
Remember this?
From: Hollow Knight: How To Defeat The Watcher Knights
This hiddie hole belongs to the rope that holds the chandelier which we can drop on one of the Watcher Knights, dropping the 6 bosses to 5 bosses.
How many hidden corners and passages are in the Watcher’s Spire? How many are we unaware of? Does every chandelier have a little hiddie hole like this one? Did Lurien ever use one of these servant passages and hiddie holes himself?
Now what about the Watcher Knights themselves?
You cannot tell me that these guys lived in Lurien’s ballroom. Where were their barracks? Where did they keep their weapons and gear? Where did they train? Surely Lurien wouldn’t outsource his Watcher Knights’ gear and training from his Spire, opening himself to possible assassination attempts? This bug had 15 Watcher Knights. I think he was concerned about getting attacked. So where do these Watchers sleep, train, and relax? We have half an entire Spire unseen.
Another question regarding Lurien’s servants. Remember how Lurien has a butler? Depending on how much Team Cherry wants to draw on medieval history, Lurien’s butler could have a different responsibility than modern day butlers. Modern butlers handle everything in the house: managing the daily operations of a household, keeping inventory of household supplies, maintain the cleanliness of the estate, etc.
Note how I said modern butlers. In medieval times, all those duties belonged to the head steward. The butler had a different job. He was the most trusted servant and confident of the head of house. He had to be in order to be trusted with the keys to the wine cellar! Or as it was called, the buttery. If Lurien’s butler had this job, then where is Lurien’s wine cellar? Where are the kitchens?
Of course, this doesn’t impact Lurien’s character too much as we don’t imagine him cooking. And we need to beeline towards Lurien to break the seals and open the Black Egg Temple, so we can’t take a detour towards the kitchens.
Doesn’t change the fact I would love to see Team Cherry or the fans develop the Dreamers’ houses more, especially Lurien’s Spire.
All the locations mentioned above beg a serious question: how much of Lurien's character do we not know simply because we cannot see his entire house? If everything that we do see speaks of a fortune worth of information, how much more is hiding from us?
Now take this to Herrah and Monomon. How much of them do we not know? What about their interactions with each other? Team Cherry had originally planned to give us individual boss fight rooms for each Dreamer. How much of Herrah, Monomon, and Lurien's characters will we never know because we never saw those rooms?
With that, I shall end this essay and leave you to your thoughts! It has been a long journey and I hope you dear reader learned something new. Please reblog any of your thoughts or ideas inspired by this essay!
If you wish to read more of the Essay, click one of these links below.
Part 1.0: Herrah's Den : Here
Part 2.0: Monomon's Archives: Here
Part 3.0: Lurien's Spire: Here
Part 3.25: Lurien's Spire: Windows and Colors: Here
Part 3.5: Even More of Lurien's Spire. Here
Part 3.7: What is WRONG with Lurien's Spire?: Here
Part 3.8: Even, even More of Lurien's Spire: Secret Room: Click here
Part 3.9 Watcher Knight Boss Room! Here
Link to essay on Ao3: Here
What is with the Dreamers' Houses?!?! Part 3.9 Ballroom and Resting
Now, Lurien's patriotic nature is quite famous in the community. Let us discuss a room that is not talked often about: Lurien's ballroom.
Also known as, the Boss room for the Watcher Knights. People scarcely remember that this boss room was a ballroom once just as often as they remember that Lurien canonically had 15 Watcher Knights, not just 6.
Could you imagine attending a ball here? The wide space surrounded by huge windows that allow you to see the whole City of Tears? Massive chandeliers that allow you to dance the night away till dawn? The drapes that offer a chance to prank a fellow guest…or sneak a kiss. If you want a closer look at the chandeliers, here is the best shot I got.
Goodness! Lurien could have taught Hornet or Hollow how to dance here!
What does this ballroom tell us about Lurien's character?
For one, it hints that the Watcher duties included some social aspect. One does not need a ballroom unless the person has a formal event. (Unless you need to transform the room into an emergency kitchen and shelter. Though usually, I've seen it the other way around where someone transforms a commons to a dancefloor.)
While we do not know who would attend these social events hosted by the Watcher's Spire, all these events must have been fantastic by the sheer view alone. The host of the social events has a very good chance of being the Watcher himself, as he is the Keeper of the Spire. Though the possibility remains that someone could have rented his Spire or Lurien could have lent his ballroom to any committee or guild in need of it. We do not have any evidence of this, however, so this is just speculation.
What is certain is that Lurien had a ballroom and it had to been used at some point. The Watcher, hosting a grand formal event, is not exactly an image that appears often in the fandom. Usually, Lurien is portrayed as an introvert who retreats from society rather than invites society into his home.
Yet there appears to be a place for Lurien to remain an introvert while hosting these grand balls. Behold the chart below.
Red arrow points to the ballroom (plus the above area where you get your reward of geo) while the green arrow points to the room with the three little watchers. Blue arrow points to Lurien's office.
Lurien has created a buffer zone between him, his work, and the ballroom. When Lurien is hosting a party and feeling overwhelmed by all the company, he can duck out into either the green arrow zone or use the zone to sneak into his office. Whereas when Lurien is too tired from his work, he can slip down the elevator to the green arrow zone or the ballroom for a dance. Again, if work came up at the ball, Lurien can pull the person aside into the green arrow zone and into his office if need be. Then, as soon as work was completed, Lurien can return to the ballroom after taking a breather in the green arrow zone.
Lurien knows himself and the duties required of him, whether it be his guardsman duties or his social duties, and so created a space for him to meet both duties while giving himself a breather room, literally.
Speaking of a breather, let us turn from the ballroom to the room which Lurien made to allow anyone to rest, the bench room.
This is personally my favorite bench in game, though the one in the Queen's Gardens is a close second. The soft sound of rain while surrounded by the glow of the lamps, all while Marissa's song echoes in the background. The whole room is beautiful, allowing you to take a breath not just from the brutality and decay outside, but for awe that Team Cherry creates in their game.
Unlike the other Dreamers, Lurien does not have a unique bench. The bench within his Spire is standard across the kingdom. While it does save Team Cherry time, I believe the standard bench speaks to Lurien's character as well. The standard Hallownestian bench is for anyone to sit, and so anyone and everyone is welcomed to rest at Lurien's Spire. Note the placement of the bench, directly underneath the bridge connecting the Watcher's Spire to the Commoner/Worker side of the City. Anyone from that side would immediately have a place to rest when they arrived or about to depart. As for the nobles, the room is so beautiful and costly adorned that they would have no reason to complain. Once again, the bench area’s predominantly colored purple, showing how anyone could rest there in beauty.
Sidenote: I find it interesting that the glass lamps Lurien used for this room were first and only seen on the Commoner/Worker side of the City. The nobles only have round spheres or crest-like ovoid.
If you wish to read more of the Essay, click one of these links below.
Part 1.0: Herrah's Den : Here
Part 2.0: Monomon's Archives: Here
Part 3.0: Lurien's Spire: Here
Part 3.25: Lurien's Spire: Windows and Colors: Here
Part 3.5: Even More of Lurien's Spire. Here
Part 3.7: What is WRONG with Lurien's Spire?: Here
Part 3.8: Even, even More of Lurien's Spire: Secret Room: Click here
Part 4.0 What We Know We Don't Know About the Dreamers' Houses: Click Here
Link to essay on Ao3: Here
If you have thoughts you wish to share, please feel free to comment or reblog! Artists! How does the idea of Lurien teaching Hornet how to dance sound?
What is with the Dreamers' Houses?!?! Part 3.8 Lurien's Spire - Secret Room!
Onto to the secret room!
It is a very small room, making me wonder how Lurien walked into here. All three colors associated with the Watcher’s Spire are here, though the purple glow is dominant.
First things first, Lurien has his own Lore Tablets, which is very unique in the kingdom. No, seriously, he’s the only guy who has a lore tablet with no magic or science behind it. (Not to mention a private lore tablet, not a public notice.)
The only lore tablet we can read is Lurien’s last words, which I read for you in the last part. Here is it is repeated below. To quote Lurien’s last journel entry:
“Sleep beckons eternal and these words become my last. Though my gaze shall no longer fall upon this city, I will act forever in its protection. For King, for bug, for Hallownest, I head now to my rest.”
His last words tell of Lurien’s determination, dedication, and peace.
One interesting thing to note is that we only get to read Lurien’s thoughts, not the other Dreamers. We know nothing of Herrah’s thoughts, except for everything being done for Hornet. We read Monomon’s reports, but please forgive me for stating how those tanks merely report events happening like a science report, not giving us Monomon’s personal thoughts on the matter. Those come from Quirrel translating her actions to us.
I’ll be honest, this room infuriates me for one simple reason, every lore tablet and all the ‘wanderer’s’ journals lying here are clearly written by Lurien and contain his thoughts, but we are not allowed to read any of them…except for his last entry!!! The 1 Dreamer we know little about and we have an entire room with his diaries and we can’t read it!!!
Lemm would have a field day in here. Can you imagine the classified information or missing links Lurien has in here?
And don’t think “classified” and go “Oh! Pale King fanboy!” No. Look around. I can’t even find a single Hallownest crest here, much less Monarch Wings representing the Pale King. (Except the chair. Maybe.) Take a look.
If we move on, it is easy to notice how the lamp is out. This is the first time we’ve seen a lamp that was clearly supposed to give light, but there’s none. It’s almost as if either the bug inside the lamp died OR the Spire staff did not expect anyone to enter this room anymore.
Artist Aspidiske did a comic about that lamp, so I will let you read it. On the Last Day - Aspidiske - Hollow Knight (Video Games) [Archive of Our Own]
Before I touch on the entrance to this secret room, allow me to remark on what’s bugging me. Lurien’s journals are just dumped on the ground. All other journals in the Spire are at least on shelves, these are in piles. And I would like to know why as we haven’t seen Lurien being particularly organized or disorganized before.
Now! The Entrance!
The secret room to Lurien’s last thoughts is blocked by a statue of Lurien! Which is very weird once you stop to think about it.
In game, you come across several statues in Hallownest. These statues tend to come in three categories: Items of worship (like the Pale King or the Radiance statue at Crystal Peak), statues of civilizations gone by (most often seen in the Queen’s Gardens), or memorials to dead people.
And here’s Lurien with not one, but three statues to himself.
Only one of the three statues breaks when you hit it, leading you to the secret room, which makes sense for finding secrets. But real life before Lurien went to dreaming…
It makes no sense for Lurien to have this statue when he was awake. The statue is pretty, but very unpractical for someone to use that hidden room. And this is Lurien we are talking about here. Out of the Dreamers, he is the only one who goes for both the beautiful and practical. And based on the section regarding the pillows, Lurien isn’t vain either, so he wouldn’t have a statue of himself, much less three!!!
The statues, Lurien’s character, the dark lamp, and the journels have me thinking. What if Lurien was NOT the person who put the statue there, but rather his people put the statue up after he went into the Dreamer. Remember we already know that Weavers rearranged Herrah’s Den so it would be a shrine for her. So it is not much of a stretch to say Lurien’s people rearranged the Spire to honor Lurien after he passed into the Dreaming.
If this is true, then the statue for Lurien is a memorial statue. It is still extermely rare as it has COLOR whereas the other statues have more stone or metal like colors. Lurien’s colored statue gaurds his last thoughts, preserving the Watcher’s last thoughts and allowing those in depersate need to read any of Lurien’s journels.
Then this begs the question, what about the other two statues? I hereby argue that these statues are indeed of the Watcher but not Lurien. If the secret room has all of Lurien’s thoughts, with the last entry being his last thoughts, and the statue was put up after Lurien “died”, than the other two statues could have put up when the previous Watchers passed away. Yes, I agrue that those bottom two statues belong to the Watchers before Lurien. And those statues also guard rooms with the previous Watchers’ thoughts. Yet we are prevented from accessing them lest the fans confuse those two Watchers with Lurien himself.
If this theory is true, what does it say about Lurien? He is the third Watcher in a line. Firstly, the job of Watcher was not created for Lurien, but rather Lurien proved himself in such a way that the Pale King appointed him to the position. Secondly, Lurien is in a tradition. Did you notice how all the statues looked the same? They all have a simple blue robe and shared mask. Lurien isn’t just wearing the robes for fashion, he is honoring the Watchers who have come before him. Third, if all three Watchers are wearing such simple robes and mask, they are hiding their individual identities. Whether it be so people of Hallownest can focus on the mask or so the Watchers’ can protect their families, I shall leave that up to the fans as there are 3 Watchers, leaving room for interpretation. Fourth, the inner character of the Watcher was always more important than the species of the Watcher. Again, all three Watchers are wearing simple robes that hide which species they are. To this day, fans debate on what species Lurien is. Yet all along, we were looking at the wrong thing, myself included. Personal character and individual skill were the most important aspect of Lurien. And that character and skills made him the most powerful bug right under the Royal Couple.
So, what do you think? Please reblog and share your thoughts!
If you wish to read more of the Essay, click one of these links below.
Part 1.0: Herrah's Den : Here
Part 2.0: Monomon's Archives: Here
Part 3.0: Lurien's Spire: Here
Part 3.25: Lurien's Spire: Windows and Colors: Here
Part 3.5: Even More of Lurien's Spire. Here
Part 3.7: What is WRONG with Lurien's Spire?: Here
Part 3.8: Even, even More of Lurien's Spire: Secret Room (You are here)
Part 3.9 Watcher Knight Boss Room! Here
Part 4.0 What We Know We Don't Know About the Dreamers' Houses: Click Here
Link to essay on Ao3: Here
If you have thoughts you wish to share, please feel free to comment or reblog! Especially with the above observation!
What is with the Dreamers' Houses?!?! Part 3.7 Lurien's Spire - WHAT is WRONG with Lurien's Office?!?!
Welcome back! Do you remember the last part where I was talking about how Patriotic Lurien was with all the Hallownestian crests?
I was about to leave it off here, until I realized something strange. There are no King’s Idols in Lurien’s Spire. Mr.-Certified-Pale-King-Fanboy has no King’s Idol from which he would worship the Pale King. What kind of fan would not have an idol or picture of his king? Especially in his bedroom!
Again, I was going to leave it even after checking the Hollow Knight wiki. Tumblr/Ao3 artist Aspidike already wrote a whole comic on it after all, so why should I spend time on it?
Looking back on it, I really should have spent more time wondering why Lurien has no King’s Idols to worship the Pale King when HERRAH is shown to be more religious than him. The Spider Queen has a Shrine inside her den while Lurien doesn’t even have a single idol or a chapel!
I only began to look deeper at the lack of King’s Idols in Lurien’s Spire when I realized there is something else missing in the Watcher’s Spire. Take a look at the carpet in Lurien’s Office.
Why does Lurien have purple carpet that completely covers the floor? Even wrapping around the pillars leading up to his Office? Why when everywhere else in his Spire has RED flooring and Hallownestian seals…
And that’s when it hit me. Not only are there no King’s Idols in Lurien’s Spire, but there is also nothing of the Pale King in Lurien’s Office a.k.a where he lays slumbering.
Look at Lurien’s Office again.
No painting of the Pale King, only that of the City. No massive window of the Hallownest Seal, only open windows. There are Hallownest Seals on the banners…but no Monarach Wings.
Please, allow me to explain the importance of the lack of Monarch Wings. Take a look down below at the kinds of Hallownest Seals seen across Hallownest.
The above photo is a drawing as I suck at photoshop.
Design 1 or the Seal design is most reminiscent of the Pale King with his Monarch Wings, hence why it will be often referred to as the Monarch’s Seal in this essay.
Design 2 or the Crest design is the most often seen crest design across all of Hallownest. It is the center or base that Designs 1 & 3 form their own designs on. I often take it to mean Hallownest itself versus the Monarch’s Seal which brings to mind the Pale King.
Design 3 is the design, which to my knowledge, is only seen in the City of Tears, especially on the noble’s side of the City. Originally, I called it Plumage Design and pondered whether or not this was an allusion to the Pale King, but now I believe it is a homage to the White Lady. See the comparison down below.
Part of the reason why I am making such a big deal out of the different designs is due to the Medieval heritage the game Hollow Knight draws on. If kings, knights, and keeping your oaths to your lords is greatly important to the game, then having a coat of arms and its impact are not a stretch. We already saw this in Monomon’s portion of the essay when we realized that Monomon was the one in charge of the Teacher’s Archives. Due to the lack of Hallownestian crests (or anything of Hallownest) as well as symbols in the benches being Monomon’s mask, we concluded that the Teacher’s Archives was not part of Hallownest proper, but rather natural territory under Monomon’s direct charge.
Having three different Hallownestain crests is vital. While the standard Design 2 or the Crest design allows one to tell that the messenger is from Hallownest versus the Mosskin, Designs 1 and 3 allow us to tell if the message came from the Pale King or White Lady themselves. The common Hallownestian official might only bear the Crest Design while servants in the White Palace bear Designs 1 & 3. Though I bet the Queen’s gardeners only bore the Plumage Design.
With this in mind, let us turn back to Lurien’s Spire to see which crests he bears throughout.
These are all locations through-out the Watcher’s Spire containing different versions of Hallownestian crests. Now please compare these with that of Lurien’s personal Office and Final Resting Place.
Here is the ONLY Place I found the 1st design or Monarch Seal in Lurien’s Office… If you actually can count it since it’s OUTSIDE his office.
The two places where the Monarach Wings appear in Lurien’s Office are in two locations that are OUTSIDE his office. The first is on the Spire’s wall which is just typical City of Tears architecture while the second winged crest is on the elevator. AKA, a standard design that is easily removed from the room.
What does this mean for Lurien, the fandom’s Pale King fanboy, with nothing of the Pale King inside his office? This is supposed to be Lurien’s personal space where there would be tons of Pale King merch and references. Yet, upon closer examination, not only are there no references to the Pale King, but Lurien went out of his way to hid any references to the White Lady as well! The purple carpet extends all the way down, hiding Design 3 or the White Lady’s crest!
Forget any blacklash from an shocked fandom, the lack of references to the Royal Couple in Lurien’s Office reeks of possible danger for the Watcher. Lurien is the 3rd most powerful bug in Hallownest, right underneath the Pale King and White Lady. Such massive influence needs to be massively watched and carefully checked to ensure that the Watcher doesn’t use that power against the Royal Couple. Yet the Watcher, in his own personal office, does not have any direct reference to either of them.
We do not know how the Royal Couple would feel that Lurien went out of his way to not show any direct alliegance in his private workspace and room.
Now, I already know what you are thinking. Lurien’s canon dialogue in the Dream Realm. “For King Beloved…to sleep and serve…” It seems as if all of his dialogue is suggesting the exact opposite picture of Lurien’s Office, that he put the Pale King above everything…but the Pale King isn’t the only reason why he became a Dreamer. To quote Lurien’s last journel entry:
“Sleep beckons eternal and these words become my last. Though my gaze shall no longer fall upon this city, I will act forever in its protection. For King, for bug, for Hallownest, I head now to my rest.”
Lurien is a poet. 2) His actions are for the forever protection of his City. 3) Lurien’s reasons for acting are not solely for the Pale King, but for bug and Hallownest. This is important as it shows Lurien separates Hallownest from the Pale King in his mind.
While Lurien DID say “For King Beloved”, there is nothing of Pale King inside Lurien’s personal Office. It seems like the care Lurien had for the Pale King was like the love Americans have for their flag, unwilling to let the flag touch the ground…but not going so far to have the flag inside their bedrooms…unless the love for the flag goes beyond patriotism to nationalism.
Finally, what does this lack of crests mean for Lurien’s character? I am afraid that I will have to dive into symbolism to explain as a certain Watcher doesn’t have much dialogue.
The lack of Monarch crest on the banners shows how Lurien always put Hallownest first, not the Pale King’s interests. Lurien could have snuck in one of the bigger banners with the Monarch crests, but chose the smaller banner with Design 2 to hang instead. Symbolically, this shows how Lurien’s heart with the kingdom first.
The lack of the Plumage Crests was brought about by Lurien redoing the floors, turning the red floor to purple carpet. As seen before in previous essays, the color red is associated with the nobles and the majority of the Plumage Crests are seen on the noble’s side of the City. Meanwhile, the color purple is primarily seen in Lurien’s Spire AKA Lurien’s color. Just as purple takes from both red and blue to rise to higher wisdom, inspiration, and humility, so Lurien rises above the roots to see a bird’s eye view of the whole culture of Hallownest, not just the nobles who grow (pun intended) from the White Lady.
The open windows has its own symbolism as Team Cherry could have given Lurien’s Office those magnificent Monarch crest windows. Instead, they chose to not just have no seal, but almost no window. Practically, this means Lurien can easily reposition his telescope anywhere so he can see everywhere in the City. But what about symbolism? The answer is that Lurien can see everything CLEARLY and without basis. He sees what is truly there, not what the Pale King wants him to see or expects him to see. Lurien isn’t even plagued by his own personal weakness or anger that could cause the glass to fog up. He can SEE.
Yes, Monomon. You can stop listing all the things wrong with the City. Lurien already has your list and THEN some.
Here we are at the end of this section and I cannot believe that CAREPT of all things would reveal how Lurien's loyalty is to Hallownest first, not the Pale King.
If you wish to read more of the Essay, click one of these links below.
Part 1.0: Herrah's Den : Here
Part 2.0: Monomon's Archives: Here
Part 3.0: Lurien's Spire: Here
Part 3.25: Lurien's Spire: Windows and Colors: Here
Part 3.5: Even More of Lurien's Spire. Here
Part 3.7: What is WRONG with Lurien's Spire? (You are here)
Part 3.8: Even, even More of Lurien's Spire: Secret Room: Click here
Part 3.9 Watcher Knight Boss Room! Here
Part 4.0 What We Know We Don't Know About the Dreamers' Houses: Click Here
Link to essay on Ao3: Here
If you have thoughts you wish to share, please feel free to comment or reblog! Especially with the above observation!
Remember when I said this?
Finally finished and I'm worried about how you all will take it. Oh well. At least I got it somewhat edited.
AND Lurien's essay is now 45 pages AND I discovered a secret room that I thought was made up by the fans. Goodness gracious Lurien, WHY!!!!
Anyway...expect the next part to "What's up with the Dreamers' Houses?" really soon!
So...
Lurien had to go hide more stuff inside his Spire. His essay is now 35 pages and counting. It might take a bit before the next part is up.
While I'm writing the next part, you all can go look inside his Spire and see if you can discover the really weird thing for yourself.
Go check out this artist! There are several stimboards for other Hollow Knight characters!
~~~.~🔭~.~~~ || Lurien - Hollow Knight || self request ::)
Lurien is my fav dreamer and one of my fav hollow knight characters (i've been sort of going down a list of my favs haha, neglecting some like tiso because I'm not sure what sort of stims I wanna use), so I really wanted to make a stimboard for him!!! However I don't really like the way this one turned out that much... Not sure what it is, it just kinda doesn't make me as happy as the others? But either way it's always just fun to make something!! Also, I animated the clip in the center myself ::3 (hope its not too bad, i'm aware its quite amateurish- it's practically the first thing I've ever animated?) so that's something I'm proud of!!
Editing my Dreamers' Houses essay and my goodness, it made me realize how much fight is still left in the Dreamers.
Herrah is all spent, only thinking about her daughter. Unfortunately, there isn't anyone else except Midwife in the Distant Village.
Why?
All the Weavers decided that being Infected, losing your mind while your body attacks anything that moves, was worse than literal slavery. Only those most devoted to Herrah remained...and all of them got infected.
Monomon has no fight...except to argue with Lurien. But have you considered that she has nothing left to fight for?
There is literally NO ONE in her Archives except her infected Uummu, Uomas, and Oomas. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF HER STUDENTS IS DEAD BEFORE THE GAME EVEN STARTED. Except Quirrel. Quirrel whom she calls back to finally rest.
Lurien has the most fight...and yes, the Spire doesn't have a single known person still themselves in the Infection. But what about Lurien's whole City?
Yes, yes, the noble side is completely Infected and the Soul Master kidnapped and drained more than half of the citizens belonging to the left side of the City, BUT there are still free people!
The Nailsmith! Eternal Emilitia! Even Lemm, a newcomer to his City! And goodness, the Collector! And grubbies. Can't forget the grubs.
If you go down a bit further, then there's Orgrim, Tuk, and the Fluke Hermit!
Lurien still has people! People with Names! Hopes! And Dreams free from the Radiance!
And if you expand Lurien's care from the City to Hallownest (which isn't a stretch considering how Lurien is so patriotic for his kingdom) then every free bug in Hallownest is his too.
Now here's a question, does Lurien still care about his butler who is Infected? About every single of his servants and friends under the Radiance's spell? If so, what about every captured citizen of Hallownest?
If so, then Lurien is fighting for them too, just like we do for Myla. Fighting and Hoping against Hope itself that they all can be saved one day.
This came as no surprise to me. What knocked me out was realizing that Monomon's efforts were for nothing. Becoming a Dreamer for her students and keep Hallownest united only for everyone to die anyway??? No wonder she was done.
What is with the Dreamers' Houses?!?! Part 3.5 Lurien's Spire - Pillows & Patriotism
Yes, you read the title right! We're talking about the pillows in Lurien's Spire!
Basically, I ran across a few articles calling the Watcher gaudy and greedy, lumping him with Hallownestian nobles. The Watcher, however, is not gaudy like the nobles of Hallownest. Before we bring in the pillows, let us compare the pictures down below.
Vs. the Watcher's Spire.
While there is a lot of details going on in all three photos, it is far easier to filter out Lurien’s Spire than the nobles. The purple in the Watcher’s Spire calms the player versus the red constantly popping in the noble’s houses.
That, and it took me four years before I realized that Lurien had wallpaper while every detail of the noble's houses was screaming in my face.
Now, we can bring in the pillows. We shall point out the pillows, discuss their arrangement, and what both say of the characters of the nobles and the Watcher himself.
In the noble houses, all the pillows are in the center of the room.
Meanwhile, in the Watcher’s Spire, the pillows are by the windows.
All the pillows in the nobles’ houses are facing the center where the nobles can be the focal point of attention. Where the point could be is either the red couches or the pillows themselves, but any visitor would certainly be hyper-focused on the noble by the mere seating arrangement.
If this was not the City of Tears that we know, such an arrangement could show how everyone is focused on the people and community. Unfortunately, we know thanks to the Dream Nail how all the nobles were overprotective of their geo. The arrangement of the pillows and seating of the guests was only to show off a noble’s wealth, not foster familial ties.
The Watcher’s Spire, however, has the opposite arrangement of pillows. The seating arrangement looks outside of the Spire, not in. Lurien invites any visitor to his Spire to admire not his wealth, but the wealth and health of the City.
One could argue that Watcher’s arrangement of pillows show how he is always looking outwards instead of reflecting upon himself and his faults, but considering the noble’s thoughts and intentions, I believe that Lurien is not selfish in looking outwards as his pillow arrangement is completely opposite of the nobles. Luriem is always looking out to his community AND loves to admire the beauty resulting from the community.
Finally, Lurien still loves both practicality and beauty as seen in his window designs by the pillows. The nobles’ design for the window is pathetic in comparison, though one must be grateful for being to see out of said window.
As for more comparisons of Lurien with other characters in Hollow Knight, let us marvel at how patriotic Lurien is.
All the little details.
I swear, Lurien is more patriotic than the Pale King. Compare the opening of Lurien's Spire to the White Palace.
VS.
Remember, Lurien's wallpaper still counts.
I wonder how Lurien being more patriotic than the Pale King speaks about his character?
As a Lurien fan, I am afraid that I must admit there is not enough evidence in the Spire alone to answer that question. Right now, these photos suggest that Lurien was Nationalistic while the Pale King was Patriotic.
Yet, once we look at both of their actions in-game, we can determine that Lurien is indeed Patriotic, not Nationalistic. Afterall, it is Lurien who makes the ultimate sacrifice for Hallownest not once but twice, even when he knew the Pale King wasn’t coming back. The Pale King, meanwhile, sacrificed everyone but himself, then fled from the Radiance when the Infection returned.
If both Lurien and the PK’s actions were foreshadowed by the amount of Hallownestian seals and crests, well…I do not feel as if I can make that judgement due to my basis on Lurien. I shall leave that to the community to decide.
If you wish to read more of the Essay, click one of these links below.
Part 1.0: Herrah's Den : Here
Part 2.0: Monomon's Archives: Here
Part 3.0: Lurien's Spire: Here
Part 3.25: Lurien's Spire: Windows and Colors: Here
Part 3.5: Even More of Lurien's Spire. (You are here)
Part 3.7 Lurien's Spire: What is wrong with Lurien's Office?! Here
Part 3.8: Even, even More of Lurien's Spire: Secret Room: Click here
Part 3.9 Watcher Knight Boss Room! Here
Part 4.0 What We Know We Don't Know About the Dreamers' Houses: Click Here
Link to essay on Ao3: Here
If you have thoughts you wish to share, please feel free to comment or reblog! Especially with the above observation!
What is with the Dreamers' Houses?!?! Part 3.25 Lurien's Spire - Windows and Colors
Welcome back to talking about the Dreamers' Houses! Today we're discussing more about the Watcher's Spire and what it tells us about Lurien's character.
Last time, we talked about Lurien's Telescope and what it spoke of Lurien's character. Yet there was something else I noticed with the placement of the Telescope itself.
It is on the Left Side of Lurien's office, facing the Left half of the City. While some might state that this is because of classism, I am not so sure. Not when I noticed this particular detail.
We have three bugs with unique designs with unique dialogue. From the dialogue, it seems that they took up the duty of the Watcher's mantle, placed there possibly by Lurien himself. Of all the sides of the Spire, these three are also facing the left side. What could be on that side of the City that Lurien went out of his way to leave his Telescope facing the left side and appointed watchers to guard that side?
Oh.
Wait.
Taken from ntvv.vn.
The entire Soul Sanctum and the Soul Master is on the LEFT side of the City. The same group responsible for THIS carnage.
Tragically, that is not even half of the people butchered by the Soul Master. If Lurien had an inkling, however, of the Soul Master's doings, then he would keep watch over that portion of the City in order that he can find evidence of the Soul Master's wrongdoings. Unfortunately, as we all know, Lurien ran out of time to prevent the full tragedy.
That did not, however, stop Lurien from doing everything he could to stop the Soul Master. He left the Telescope and appointed not one, but three mini watchers to keep an eye on the Soul Master. Who knows how many notes and networks he left behind to the mini watchers as well that we never got a chance to read. What we do know is that Lurien made sure that every tool and opportunity to protect his City was left at the Pale King's disposal. Lurien wasn't just protective, he took preventative action and was willing to include others to best protect his City.
Though that begs the question of how many back-up plans Lurien had to protect the City.
Moving on, I could dive into how Lurien is one of the few bugs to have a statue in the whole of Hallownest. I could also talk about the sheer size of his Spire or the fact that Lurien, confirmed to be mortal, has a stone lore tablet that so far only the Pale King has. But I will not as fellow Tumblr user Eggbuggo already talked about that. Don't worry, I found the post so you don't have to scroll down to March 2nd, 2023 to find it.
https://www.tumblr.com/eggobuggo/710665789135634432/i-think-lots-of-people-tend-to-forget-how-much?source=share
Instead, I will talk about the color of the Spire, or colors.
The City of Tears is mainly divided into two colors: dark blue for the Left side (commoners + business) and red for the Right side (noble houses). The Watcher's Spire, however, has three colors: Blue, Red, AND Purple.
For comparison, here is a picture of the left side of the City of Tears.
Vs. the Right side of the City.
The Watcher's Spire, meanwhile, has three colors.
The floor is red, the pillars and elevators are blue while the wall is purple.
What does this color design say about Lurien the Watcher? For starters, the Watcher has not one assigned color to his Spire, but tastefully uses all three. Even a person from far away can see the beauty in how Lurien creates a contrast with these colors. Considering that each side of the City is predominately one color, this speaks volumes on how Lurien did not side solely which one side of the City.
For example, there is no red or purple glow in the left side of the City. Compare these two images.
Vs.
The lamps inside the Watcher's Spire produce this violet/pinkish glow whereas the lamps on the left side of the City only glow white. Same glass shape, but different light.
On the flip, or right side of the City, the nobles seem to hide any blue inside their home unless it is completely necessary, such as the elevator shafts. Compare:
&
Vs. Lurien using the red as the floor, but decorating with the blue pillars and window frames. The contrast here is used as framing, creating something beautiful even if it is just a hallway.
I believe the color choice for the Watcher's Spire speaks the exact same thing of Lurien's character as the Spire's placement in the City of Tears. Lurien was the mean between extremes for the City. Not only is the Spire in the middle of the City where everyone can reach it, but the use of purple in particular, a color created by mixing blue and red, shows both a claim of connection, yet also distant from the citizens of the City. This is important as purple isn't predominantly seen anywhere else in the City of Tears.
One last thing regarding color, Lurien is also the only one person to employ both blue and red sentries. Except for the one Great Husk Sentry and the Winged Sentry in the Resting Grounds, the blue and red sentries are never seen together. Given the sole location of both the blue and red sentries in the same is the Watcher’s Spire, it speaks to Lurien’s character that he was able to bring those two sentries together. Unfortunately, we do not know if the Watcher was able to pull it off due to his high position, geo, or his personal character, but the feat is still remarkable.
We have reached page 18 of Lurien's section, so I believe it would be best to cut off here for now. To recap: Lurien is proactive to protect his City, even though he would lay dreaming forever. We notice this in the placement of items and people by certain windows. We also learned how colors reflect Lurien's character as the mean in-between the two extremes of the two sides of the City, especially the use of the color purple which is a mix of blue and red. While this creates a distinction between the Watcher and the other citizens of the City, Lurien is still able to bring the people together as noted in the kinds of guards patrolling in his Spire.
If you wish to read more of the Essay, click one of these links below.
Part 1.0: Herrah's Den : Here
Part 2.0: Monomon's Archives: Here
Part 3.0: Lurien's Spire: Here
Part 3.25: More of Lurien's Spire (You are here.)
Part 3.5: Lurien's Spire: Pillows and Patriotism: Here
Part 3.7 Lurien's Spire: What is wrong with Lurien's Office?! Here
Part 3.8: Even, even More of Lurien's Spire: Secret Room: Click here
Part 3.9 Watcher Knight Boss Room! Here
Part 4.0 What We Know We Don't Know About the Dreamers' Houses: Click Here
Link to essay on Ao3: Here
If you have thoughts you wish to share, please feel free to comment or reblog!
What is with the Dreamers' Houses?!?! Part 3.0 Lurien's Spire
Okay, we can all agree that Team Cherry put a LOT of thought into crafting the backgrounds and environments of Hollow Knight. But why is nobody talking about the designs for the Dreamers' houses?! Especially compared with their base forms? Well, let's start talking about it!
The Last Dreamer, Lurien the Watcher! A.K.A. The guy who is responsible for this whole essay.
His design is the simplest among the three Dreamers.
Taken from Hollow Knight - Lurien the Watcher
A design so simple that it leaves the fans in relentless debate on what species of bug he is.
So tell me, why is HIS HOUSE the one with the most freaking complicated design!?!?!?! It's as if Lurien is living in a cathedral here!
Okay, Lurien living in a cathedral might be an exaggeration, but take a look at complicated his Spire is! Look at the floors! Notice the window designs! The hanging banners! The lanterns! And goodness gracious, the dude has wallpaper throughout his whole Spire!
Did I forget to mention the wallpaper?!?!!
The insane amount of detail!!!
And we haven't even gotten to the fact Team Cherry went out of their way to incorporate 3D into a 2D POV! You can clearly see it in this window here.
As we start the walk here…
We can't help but notice…
How the pillars framing the window "move" as we do.
Could you believe that a team of four people made all of this? Team Cherry truly wasted no detail in the Watcher's Spire, from the simplest wallpaper to the famous Telescope.
And here is the Telescope! In all its very-difficult-to-draw glory! Speaking of it, the design clearly costed tons of geo. The cost paid off, however, as the Telescope still works despite the lack of maintenance due to the Infection.
Of course, that can be easily seen by anyone who played the game in a rush. In terms of Lurien's character, the fan can see how he earned his namesake, Watcher.
Yet...has anyone stopped to consider how Lurien set up his office? In particular, how Lurien can position his Telescope anywhere in his main office? Check out all the windows!
Did you all notice it? Every single window is open, yet each window is nicely framed with the glass plane. And before you all comment, “what about this window? It's closed!”
The window design is different from the ones behind Lurien's bed…and matches up with the window where the Telescope is currently at. This implies that this window can open up at any time should Lurien wish it. As the Telescope is NOT facing that direction, there is no need to keep that window open. Lovely for us, as that window keeps Lurien's butler in. If you need proof, check out the photo where the Telescope is again.
With this in mind, what does the Telescope and open windows tell us about Lurien's character?
First, Lurien is very dedicated to his duty as the Watcher, so much so that he will spend as much money as needed to craft the best tools he needs.
Second, Lurien favors practicality as seen by how every window is either open or has hinges to open it. The Watcher must watch over the WHOLE City of Tears, not just the left side (or commoner side).
Third, Lurien loves beauty. It is not enough to have the windows open; goodness, Lurien could have not added windows at all! But he insisted on a lovely window design that framed the view into the City. And we're not even talking about the pillars and the curtains which frame it as well.
Fourth and finally, Lurien was able to get both practicality and beauty in the same window. I cannot stress this enough as Herrah and Monomon choose practicality over beauty. Yes, there are beautiful details here and there, but when push comes to shove, both ladies choose practicality with a dash of beauty on the side. This really makes Lurien stand out amongst the Dreamers.
I hope you enjoyed part 1 of Lurien's Spire. Unfortunately, I must stop here as this is merely 1/4 of Lurien's section of the essay. Please feel free to comment and reblog as much as you would like. It's fun reading your thoughts.
If you wish to read more of the Essay, click one of these links below.
Part 1.0: Herrah's Den : Here
Part 2.0: Monomon's Archives: Here
Part 3.0: Lurien's Spire (You are here.)
Part 3.25: More of Lurien's Spire : Here
Part 3.5: Lurien's Spire: Pillows and Patriotism: Here
Part 3.7 Lurien's Spire: What is wrong with Lurien's Office?! Here
Part 3.8: Even, even More of Lurien's Spire: Secret Room: Click here
Part 3.9 Watcher Knight Boss Room! Here
Link to essay on Ao3: Here
What is an Artfight?
Something to have fun with!
Thank you, Cupcakeshakesnake, for giving me permission to use your designs of Lurien the Watcher and his butler! The end results looks amazing!
P.S.
If you want to check out LittleSnaketail's work, here are links to the artist's profiles!
DeviantArt: Here
Tumblr: Here
What is with the Dreamers' Houses?!?! Monomon's Archives
Okay, we can all agree that Team Cherry put a LOT of thought into crafting the backgrounds and environments of Hollow Knight. But why is nobody talking about the designs for the Dreamers' houses?! Especially compared with their base forms? Well, let's start talking about it!
Behold! Monomon's Design!
Taken from Monomon-the-Teacher.jpeg (1280×720) (punishedbacklog.com)
Taken from: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Yn7QtF-wkSY/maxresdefault.jpg
When you meet the Teacher, the first reaction is either "She's beautiful…" or "WHAT IS A JELLYFISH DOING IN A KINGDOM OF BUGS????" If one isn't your first reaction, then it will most certainly be your second.
I could go on about how Monomon pairs her elegant beauty with her mysterious origins, but then I would be repeating words all day. Let us pause and consider how Monomon, as THE Teacher, would teach Physics…while defying them. It isn't too much of a stretch to say Monomon would float outside of her tank when the all the other Jellies in game do.
Next is her Archives that to my knowledge, lacks books.
We are immediately treated at the entrance of Monomon's Archives. The only word that could sum it up would be awe: awestruck due to the beauty and the mystery. Looking at Monomon's house from the front can't help but remind one of how Jane Austen would describe a character's house…and how the house perfectly matched the character.
Entering the Archives, we quickly guess that no one has been here in a long time.
But walk in far enough…
And you can't help but guess what an awesome place this must have been. Take a look at the detail!
The insane amount of knowledge stored here is amazing…and we're on the first floor!
Though we can't read most of it…and what we can read…
Why Monomon, why? Even STEM students need to be proficient in spelling. Source: my engineer brother.
Moving on, the pathway to Monomon's tank is very straight-forward. So much so that we never get a chance to see all of the Teacher's Archives. One point that strikes me is that we never get a chance to see any classrooms. We see Monomon as a researcher as noted by the Charged Lumafly tank and entry:
We know Monomon as a collector of information:
We even get glimpses of Monomon being a mad scientist by creating the Uomu, Oomu, and Uummu.
But the only sign of Monomon being a teacher is by her relationship with Quirrel and the name of her Archives. Unless I am missing something, (or we are simply not able to enter the classrooms) the Archives are more of a library and research center than a school. While I am of the mind that we simply do not see the whole Archives as we are so dead-set on getting to Monomon herself, it really says something about Monomon that we can only see the Madame as a Teacher in her relationships with others.
I would love to further this point, but this essay is for the Dreamers' houses, not necessarily the relationships the Dreamers had unless the relationships are implied in the housing designs themselves, such as the masks in Herrah's Den. Another essay would be required so the Dreamers' relationships can be given the focus and care they deserve.
Returning to Monomon's Archives, it is strange that of all the rooms we get access to, it is not ones that Monomon's students can enter. The pathway to Monomon's tank is blocked by acid.
Yet we are the ones able to see Monomon in her resting place.
Besides Quirrel. But Quirrel has a habit of getting into places most wouldn't dare enter. And it is fitting that Quirrel, Monomon's closest student, is the one to enter Monomon's inner sanctuary.
The Tech in the room is simply amazing and begs more study. Atlas, I fear I might have missed a great deal when it comes to the Teacher. If there is anything more, I hope another member of the Hollow Knight community will step up to fill the void, pun intended.
Now, let us discuss a resting place not for Monomon, but for the player.
Is not this place so elegant in its decay? The perfect symmetry and the framing of the moss ceiling…it is a terrible pity we could not see the Teacher's Archives in Hallownest's prime.
Moving past the pity, let me share a little detail. Team Cherry, when designing each location, placed signs of the ruler of said location in the framework of the place, usually in the fencing. For Teacher's Archives…
It's right at the bench! Which means Monomon is in charge!
The above statement, while made in good jest, possibly bears more weight than on a passing glance. We see no Hallownestian Seals or crests imbedded within the walls. There are also no King's idols or any item to be retrieved from the Archives. Everything in the Archives is centered around Monomon and her research.
This idea gives rise to a theory that perhaps the Teacher's Archives was not part of Hallownest, but rather neutral territory where ANYONE could come to learn about anything in peace. This would not be the first time in media where such a place existed. The TV show "Babylon 5" tells the story of a space station created as a place where the different alien races can learn about the other races in neutral territory for the purpose of creating peace.
To answer some objections, yes, "The Pilgrams' Way" does pass through Fog Canyon, but it also passes through Greenpath which technically belongs to Unn, not the Pale King. And the Archives is one of the few places that has its own, unique bench.
If the Archives is not part of Hallownest, what does this neutrality tell us about Monomon? If the Teacher's Archives is indeed neutral territory, it shows how much emphasis Monomon puts on knowledge being open to everyone as the purpose of the Archives is a place to store all the knowledge she collected.
But if Monomon was neutral, how did she get involved with the Dreamer plan? Simple. Monomon cared about her students. Monomon welcomed everyone from anywhere, and everywhere was infected by the Radiance. To save her students, the majority of whom came from Hallownest, Monomon became a Dreamer. Unfortunately, it was all in vain as the world fell into stasis as one by one Monomon's students either died or fell to the Infection. The Archives, where you could find anyone from anywhere in Hallownest, now only holds jellyfish…
Before we wallow in sorrow, let us escape to the City of Tears and to the final Dreamer. Wait for part 3.0 coming soon!
This is a part series to see if I can fit everything in. I hope you enjoyed Monomon's Archives!
Part 1.0: Herrah's Den : Here
Part 2.0: Monomon's Archives (You are here)
Part 3.0: Lurien's Spire : Here
Part 3.25: More of Lurien's Spire: Here
Part 3.5: Lurien's Spire: Pillows and Patriotism: Here
Part 3.7 Lurien's Spire: What is wrong with Lurien's Office?! Here
Part 3.8: Even, even More of Lurien's Spire: Secret Room: Click here
Part 3.9 Watcher Knight Boss Room! Here
Part 4.0 What We Know We Don't Know About the Dreamers' Houses: Click Here
Link to essay on Ao3: Here
What is with the Dreamer's Houses? Herrah's Den
Okay, we can all agree that Team Cherry put a LOT of thought into crafting the backgrounds and environments of Hollow Knight. But why is nobody talking about the designs for the Dreamers' houses?! Especially compared with their base forms? Well, let's start talking about it!
Herrah
This is Herrah's design:
Herrah is massive compared to several creatures we have come across in Hallownest. While her mask and horns give off sharp and spooky vibes, take a look at her bottom half. It is round and supported by many limbs.
In comparison, Hornet is far slimmer than her mother, which can either come from her father's genes, her age, or lack of nutrition. Herrah, however, is matured in both mind and body. Herrah's body is like a woman's body which has gone through a pregnancy: stretched and curvy. I do not mean it in a demeaning way. No, these are Herrah's battle scars that she wears proudly as Hornet's mother.
Do people think about that when they see Herrah? No.
At first, they are put off by Herrah's sharp horns and six eyes. It is a mental aspect of our brains to associate sharpness with threats. But the roundness in character design is often associated with warmth and approachability. This Beast is the same person who Hornet called "Mama"; the deadly hunter queen who cuddled her baby.
By the time we meet Herrah within the Dream Realm to strike her, we should already know that she is Hornet's mother and be conflicted about killing her. Herrah's design only adds to the drama as we listen to Herrah's last words "For her…for her…"
Herrah is a Seal but also a Mom and a Queen. And most likely the main reason why anyone writes AUs sparing the Dreamers.
But I have written too much about Herrah. Let us check out her den!
The entrance is carefully spun while the door is framed by metal design not seen in Hallownest, implying that the Weavers know both the arts of metalwork and weaving.
After entering the Beast's Den, you are treated to a large hall. It seemed to have served as a dining hall, meeting hall, and war room in the past. Now, it is solely used to "prank" any visitors.
Both pictures, however, are the only ones that visitors see when they come to the Beast's Den. Unless you count the distorted view you get as you try to peer through the silk before you get eaten. Now, if you are lucky enough to be seen as a visitor and not future food, you will see the Weavers are crafty and capable in many arts: weaving, metalwork, and war.
Now, apply that to Herrah and you should carefully take a few steps away.
This, however, is what is applied to Herrah based on a public area. It is time to enter the Beast's Den proper.
And immediately you start to have claustrophobia. Webs everywhere…
Need I say more?
There is light, but it is very soft and in-between. Your lantern must suffice. But for the Weavers and Herrah, the light from the few lamps is more than enough.
Herrah's Den does not seem to be just for her glory alone, however, as several masks are seen.
IMPORTANT! Neither mask belongs to Herrah! The first mask is too round, like one the few Weavers we find alive in Deepnest, while the other is a Stalking Devout as seen by the hole where the mouth would go.
As for their significance, we are unfortunately left without a guide to tell us anything. But if they were in Herrah's Den with such fine art surrounding them, then Herrah wanted these masks there to honor whoever the masks represent. This detail speaks volumes of how Herrah greatly respects those whom she believes are worthy of honor, even if you must to travel into her den to know of her respect.
As for respect, let us see how the Weavers paid their last respects to Herrah as she laid dreaming to protect them all.
First, the room is the most lit in the whole den due to wide array of candles. Second, the webs are everywhere, but the angles framing the space make it far nicer on the eye (unlike the rest of the den. 😬). Herrah herself is laid perfectly centered, framed by two banners hanging. Even her hands are neatly folded in rest. This is no longer Herrah's home; it is her shrine.
Yet it seems that the Weavers are the ones who highlighted the importance of Herrah. The queen, after all, cared more about her people and daughter than herself. Of all the banners hung, the only markings on them are the six eyes of the Weavers, not just Herrah. It is her people's flag, not Herrah's.
One last thing to mention before moving on to the other Dreamers, is asking Herrah what in goodness gracious is this?!
As it is deep within Herrah's den and there are more pressing questions in Hollow Knight, I have not seen many attempts to answer it. As such, we have literally no idea except for some insight provided by the Fandom wiki. I quote:
Beast’s Den Shrine
"A room located in the west part of the Beast’s Den contains an unknown being. The file names for the sprites in this room refer to the area as a ‘shrine’. Hitting the being with the Nail produces a metallic sound. Hitting it with Spells makes a seal appear over it. It is unclear if this being is the corpse of an ancient bug or a statue.” Taken from the Hollow Knight wiki: Ancient Civilisation - Hollow Knight Wiki.
If this is true, then we found what Herrah worshiped, or at least what she let her people worship within her den. Whatever this thing, it is not Weaver in origin. The seal used on it does NOT match up with the various Weaver seals of protection we see in the rest of the game. Perhaps the Weavers learn how to make such seals and spells by studying this creature? If so, then it shows how Herrah is willing to learn from others to protect her people.
Willing to learn from anyone but Hallownest.
The bench and elevator are destroyed, specifically the ones from Hallownest as seen in their designs. It is not that Herrah does not like benches, but that she doesn't like Hallownest. See proof below.
The Bench design here fits far better with the Weaver metalwork than the broken bench in the Stag Station.
Herrah will use Hallownest to benefit her people, but it will always be on her terms.
Even the existence of the Stag Station is to further trade to increase power and influence for the Weavers while lowering the risk to them. Pro-Hallownestian or Pro-Weaver, you must admit that Herrah acts like a queen should, forever serving her people.
And that is all I could find! If you have any thoughts or questions, comment or reblog down below!
This is a part series to see if I can fit everything in. I hope you enjoyed Herrah's den!
Part 2.0: Monomon's Archives: Here
Part 3.0: Lurien's Spire : Here
Part 3.25: More of Lurien's Spire: Here
Part 3.5: Lurien's Spire: Pillows and Patriotism: Here
Part 3.7 Lurien's Spire: What is wrong with Lurien's Office?! Here
Part 3.8: Even, even More of Lurien's Spire: Secret Room: Click here
Part 3.9 Watcher Knight Boss Room! Here
Part 4.0 What We Know We Don't Know About the Dreamers' Houses: Click Here
Link to essay on Ao3: Here
Results are in! 19 votes!
Each Dreamer's house will go up in an individual post!
Honestly, I am quite grateful as I finally got a chance to count how many pages my essay is. Herrah has 9 pages, Monomon has 10 page, and Lurien...is still a work in progress, but looks like he'll have 30 pages.
What Should I do? Post Everything or Separate?
Oh my...
I just started editing Herrah's section to prepare to post it all for everyone and...it's 9 pages. And she has the shortest amount of words...
Also! You all wowed me by 17 people voting! I didn't think I would have so many people interested in this!