Is Grimm Good or Bad in Hollow Knight?
The answer to whether Grimm is “good” or “bad” in Hollow Knight isn’t straightforward. It’s nuanced, depending entirely on your interpretation of morality, your personal goals within the game, and your willingness to accept the consequences of your actions. Objectively, Grimm is a powerful being driven by instinctual forces, and his purpose is to perpetuate a fiery ritual of rebirth and growth. Whether that ritual is beneficial or detrimental to Hallownest, and the larger world, is open to debate and hinges on your perspective. Essentially, Grimm isn’t inherently evil, but his actions can have both positive and negative consequences.
The Grimm Troupe: Purpose and Influence
The Grimm Troupe, led by the titular Grimm, is a nomadic group that appears in response to a special flame being lit, signaled by the Grimmkin Novices. They travel to slumbering kingdoms, collecting flames from special braziers. These flames are then offered to the Grimmchild, a charm that The Knight carries, and used to fuel a ritual that culminates in the Troupe Master Grimm’s transformation and rebirth.
What is the Nature of the Ritual?
The ritual is a cycle of burning away old power to make way for the new. The Grimm Troupe effectively feeds on dying kingdoms, drawing their remaining essence into Grimm himself, then being reborn as a stronger entity. From one perspective, this could be seen as parasitic. They’re benefiting from the decay of others.
Is the Ritual Benefiting Hallownest?
This is where the ambiguity comes in. Hallownest is already deeply infected with the Radiance’s plague. Some could argue that feeding Hallownest’s remaining power to the Grimm Troupe is merely hastening its demise. Others might suggest it’s diverting power that could potentially be used to fight the Infection, however futile that effort might be.
On the other hand, others argue the ritual has no impact on Hallownest’s infection. The Grimm Troupe’s purpose is beyond Hallownest, and its ritual is purely for its own continuation. This perspective suggests that their presence neither aids nor hinders the Knight’s ultimate goal of containing the Radiance.
The Consequences of Choices: The Banishment Route
There’s another crucial element to consider: the optional Banishment ending. Instead of completing the ritual, the Knight can choose to ally with Brumm, a member of the Grimm Troupe who has grown weary of the endless cycle. He provides a means to banish the Troupe from Hallownest entirely.
Is Banishing the Troupe “Good”?
Again, it depends. Banishing the Troupe ends the ritual within Hallownest, preventing the Grimmchild from reaching its full potential and stopping Grimm’s rebirth. It provides a sense of immediate relief, as the threat of the Troupe is eliminated. However, banishing Grimm results in a weakened Grimmchild charm, which ultimately has a significantly easier final boss fight.
The Morality of Choice
Ultimately, the choice of whether to complete the ritual or banish the Troupe is a moral one for the player. There’s no explicitly “right” or “wrong” answer. Both options have benefits and drawbacks, and the player must weigh them based on their own values and goals.
Grimm as a Character: Instinct vs. Malice
It’s important to remember that Grimm, while a powerful and imposing figure, is largely driven by instinct. He’s not necessarily motivated by a desire to cause harm or suffering. He simply seeks to fulfill his purpose, which is to perpetuate the cycle of the Grimm Troupe. This makes it difficult to classify him as purely “evil.” He’s more of a force of nature, similar to the Radiance but driven by different ambitions.
Final Thoughts: The Ambiguity of Morality in Hollow Knight
The question of whether Grimm is “good” or “bad” highlights the complex and ambiguous morality that runs throughout Hollow Knight. The game rarely presents clear-cut heroes and villains, instead opting for characters with complex motivations and actions that have far-reaching consequences. By forcing the player to grapple with these moral dilemmas, Hollow Knight encourages them to think critically about the nature of good and evil and the choices they make. Ultimately, Grimm’s “goodness” or “badness” is determined by the player’s own perspective and the path they choose to take.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is the Grimm Troupe?
The Grimm Troupe is a nomadic group of performers led by Troupe Master Grimm. They travel between kingdoms, gathering flames to fuel a ritual that results in Grimm’s rebirth and the perpetuation of their cycle.
2. What is the purpose of the Grimmchild charm?
The Grimmchild charm is a crucial component of the Grimm Troupe’s ritual. The Knight carries the charm and must collect flames throughout Hallownest to power it, eventually leading to the summoning of Troupe Master Grimm.
3. How do I summon the Grimm Troupe?
To summon the Grimm Troupe, you must find and ignite the Nightmare Lantern hidden beneath the Howling Cliffs. This will attract the Grimmkin Novices who will guide you to the flames needed to begin the ritual.
4. What happens if I choose to complete the Grimm Troupe ritual?
If you complete the ritual, you will eventually face Troupe Master Grimm in a challenging boss fight. Defeating him allows the ritual to continue, and Grimm will be reborn in a new form. You will then get the upgraded charm, Grimmchild, and Nightmare King Grimm to fight in Godhome
5. What happens if I choose to banish the Grimm Troupe?
If you choose to banish the Grimm Troupe, you will need to find Brumm in the Distant Village and follow his instructions. This will lead to a different outcome, preventing Grimm’s rebirth. The Grimmchild charm will be replaced with Carefree Melody.
6. Which is the “better” choice: completing the ritual or banishing the Troupe?
There is no objectively “better” choice. It depends on your personal preferences and goals. Completing the ritual unlocks a challenging boss fight and a powerful charm upgrade, while banishing the Troupe provides a sense of closure and rewards you with a different charm with its own unique effects.
7. Does the Grimm Troupe’s presence affect the Infection in Hallownest?
It is not explicitly stated whether the Grimm Troupe directly affects the Infection. Some argue that their ritual draws power away from Hallownest, potentially hindering efforts to combat the Infection. Others believe that their presence is independent of the Infection and has no impact on it.
8. Is Grimm an inherently evil character?
Grimm is not necessarily evil. He is driven by instinct and the need to perpetuate his cycle. His actions can be seen as harmful or beneficial depending on your perspective.
9. What are the rewards for defeating Nightmare King Grimm?
Defeating Nightmare King Grimm (in Godhome) does not award any specific charm or item. It primarily serves as a challenging accomplishment for skilled players.
10. Can I fight Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm on the same save file?
Yes, it is possible to fight both Troupe Master Grimm in Hallownest and Nightmare King Grimm in Godhome on the same save file, but only by completing the Grimm Troupe Ritual. Once you banished him, you no longer could fight Troupe Master Grimm.
11. Does banishing the Grimm Troupe lock me out of any other content?
Banishing the Grimm Troupe does not lock you out of any other content except for the Troupe Master Grimm fight in Hallownest and the ability to upgrade the Grimmchild charm to its final form.
12. Is the Carefree Melody charm any good?
The Carefree Melody charm has its fans, as it has a chance to block damage, effectively giving the Knight a free hit once in a while. Its effectiveness is somewhat random.
13. What are the lore implications of the Grimm Troupe?
The Grimm Troupe’s lore suggests a cyclical nature of power, decay, and rebirth that exists beyond Hallownest. It hints at a larger world and history beyond what is immediately visible in the game.
14. Where can I find more information about the Grimm Troupe?
You can find more information about the Grimm Troupe by interacting with characters, reading lore tablets, and exploring the areas they inhabit. Consulting online resources such as the Hollow Knight Wiki can also provide further details and insights.
15. Does Grimm’s character change depending on whether I complete or banish the troupe?
Grimm himself does not undergo significant character development based on your choice. However, the Grimmchild charm transforms into either a stronger version (if you complete the ritual) or the Carefree Melody charm (if you banish the Troupe), reflecting the different outcomes of your decision.