Do the Mantis Lords Have Names? Unraveling the Mysteries of the Mantis Tribe in Hollow Knight
The simple answer to the question “Do the Mantis Lords have names?” is no, not in the traditional sense. Within the lore of Hollow Knight, these formidable bosses are not individually known by personal names during their reign. Instead, they are collectively and perpetually referred to as “Lord Mantis”, a title passed down through generations. This means that each Mantis Lord is considered to embody the same leadership role and essence, rather than being celebrated for unique individual identities. This unusual tradition has led to much speculation and discussion among the game’s devoted fanbase.
The “Courtesy Name” System
The lore within Hollow Knight mentions that upon the passing of a Mantis Lord, they are given a “courtesy name” to distinguish them within the historical record. However, it’s crucial to understand that this “courtesy name” is not used during their time as Lord Mantis. Instead, it acts as a post-mortem identifier, perhaps akin to a epithet, used by the tribe for record-keeping. Even with these identifiers, the underlying concept remains that each Mantis Lord is essentially considered a continuation of the previous, maintaining a consistent and unwavering authority. The emphasis is not on individuality, but on the unified essence of the position.
The Significance of the Title
This practice highlights the Mantis Tribe’s unique perspective on leadership and tradition. It suggests that the tribe places more value on the office of the Lord Mantis than on the individual occupying it. This might reflect a culture built around continuity, unity, and unwavering respect for their governing structure. The lack of individual names while in power enforces the idea that their authority derives from their role, rather than from personal achievements or characteristics.
The Mantis Lords and Their Sisters
Despite the lack of specific names during their reign, the Mantis Lords are clearly distinguished by their physical appearance and battle behaviors. In the actual boss fight, the player encounters three Mantis Lords, referred to as sisters, demonstrating that the “Lord Mantis” role is not exclusive to a single leader, but is a mantle passed down to these family members. These three sisters fight as a cohesive unit, reinforcing the idea of collective leadership.
The Traitor Lord: An Exception?
While the Mantis Lords adhere to this system, the Traitor Lord provides an intriguing contrast. He is specifically called the Traitor Lord, not Lord Mantis, indicating a deviation from their established leadership structure. He is also consistently referred to with male pronouns, unlike the female Mantis Lords. He was once among the leaders of the Mantis Tribe, but his choice to embrace the Infection led to his exile, distancing him from the established norms and traditions of the Mantis Tribe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Mantis Lords
Here are some FAQs to further clarify aspects about the Mantis Lords and their role in Hollow Knight:
1. Are the Mantis Lords male or female?
The Mantis Lords are consistently referred to as female in the game, particularly during the actual boss fight where three sisters challenge the player. This contrasts with the Traitor Lord, who is male.
2. Is the Traitor Lord a Mantis Lord?
The Traitor Lord was one of the leaders of the Mantis Tribe, but he isn’t referred to as Lord Mantis. His embrace of the Infection and exile from the tribe led to the change in his designation.
3. Is the Mantis Lords fight optional?
No, the Mantis Lords boss fight is not mandatory to complete Hollow Knight, but winning the fight does yield some advantages and rewards, and is required to access certain areas of the game.
4. Where is the bench near the Mantis Lords?
There’s a bench located in the bottom-right corner of the zone after the Mantis Lords fight, offering a respite in that difficult area.
5. Where is the Traitor Lord located?
The Traitor Lord is commonly found in the Queen’s Gardens, often necessary to defeat to unlock doors or proceed. He also appears in the Colosseum of Fools.
6. Can you get to Deepnest without defeating the Mantis Lords?
Yes, you can access Deepnest with the Mantis Claw (wall-jump), and you can enter it through the fungal wastes even without defeating the Mantis Lords.
7. What is better, the Long Nail or the Mark of Pride?
The Mark of Pride is generally considered better, as it significantly increases attack range (30-40%) compared to the Long Nail’s 15% increase.
8. Can you save Cloth in Hollow Knight?
Yes, Cloth can be saved in the Ancient Basin, causing her to appear during the Traitor Lord’s fight. If you don’t do this, she will not appear.
9. Why was the Traitor Lord the only male leader?
As the Mantis Lords are always females, the Traitor Lord being male was not the norm, which may have been one of the elements contributing to his dissent.
10. Where is the closest bench to the Traitor Lord?
The closest bench is located at the stag station in Queen’s Garden.
11. What is the difference between the Sisters of Battle and the Mantis Lords?
The Sisters of Battle are a more difficult variation of the Mantis Lords boss fight encountered in the Pantheon of Hallownest, where all three sisters fight together rather than in phases.
12. What happens after beating the Mantis Lords?
Beating the Mantis Lords unlocks a path to the lower eastern area of Deepnest, but it’s best to buy the Lumafly Lantern first.
13. Are the Mantis Lords infected?
The Mantis Lords are not infected. They resisted the infection despite the exile of their brother who accepted it.
14. How much HP does the Traitor Lord have?
The Traitor Lord has 800 HP.
15. What is the hardest boss in Hollow Knight?
Many players consider Absolute Radiance to be the hardest boss. Other contenders include Nightmare King Grimm and Pure Vessel.
Conclusion
While they lack individual names during their reign, the Mantis Lords and their unique system of governance form a fascinating element of Hollow Knight’s rich lore. This approach underscores a cultural emphasis on continuity, leadership through lineage, and the enduring legacy of the “Lord Mantis” position. The “courtesy names” awarded after death serve a purpose, but not during their time as a leader of the tribe. Understanding this tradition is crucial to fully appreciating the depth and complexity of the Mantis Tribe within the haunting world of Hollow Knight.