What Happens After the Radiance Dies in Hollow Knight?
The death of the Radiance in Hollow Knight marks the definitive end of the Infection plaguing Hallownest. The immediate consequence is the liberation of all infected creatures, who regain their sanity and autonomy. However, the specific long-term outcome varies dramatically depending on which ending the player achieves. Some endings offer hope for the future, while others present a more bittersweet or even tragic fate for the Knight and Hallownest. In essence, the Radiance’s demise is not a singular event but a pivotal moment that triggers a cascade of consequences shaping the future of the kingdom.
Hollow Knight’s Multiple Endings and Their Aftermath
Hollow Knight boasts five distinct endings, each presenting a different vision of what follows the Radiance’s defeat. Three of these endings are tied to the original release, focusing on the Hollow Knight boss fight, while the remaining two were introduced with the Godmaster DLC, delving deeper into the lore and offering new challenges. Understanding each ending is crucial to grasping the full scope of what happens after the Radiance is vanquished.
The Hollow Knight Ending
This is the “default” ending, achieved by simply defeating the Hollow Knight without acquiring specific upgrades or engaging with certain side quests. In this scenario, the Knight absorbs the Infection that was previously contained within the Hollow Knight. They are then sealed inside the Black Egg, becoming the new vessel to contain the remnants of the Radiance. Hornet takes her place outside the Egg, acting as a sentinel to ensure the Infection doesn’t resurface.
- Aftermath: While Hallownest is temporarily saved from the immediate threat of the Infection, the cycle of containment continues. The Knight is trapped, likely suffering within the Egg, and Hornet is burdened with the responsibility of guarding the seal. This ending is arguably the least optimistic, as it implies a perpetual cycle of sacrifice.
Sealed Siblings Ending
This ending requires the player to acquire the Void Heart charm. With this charm equipped, the Knight is able to break the Hollow Knight’s bindings during the boss fight and initiate a dream nail sequence. In this scenario, Hornet assists the Knight in facing the Hollow Knight. After defeating the Hollow Knight, the Knight will be infected, but this time the Radiance will break free from the Hollow Knight and the true final boss fight will begin.
- Aftermath: After defeating the Radiance, the Knight, with the combined power of Void and their siblings, ultimately destroys the Radiance. However, Hornet becomes a seal, similar to the Dreamers, with her mask appearing on the door. Both the Knight and Hornet are concealed within the Black Egg for eternity – or however long the seal holds. This is considered one of the saddest endings.
Dream No More Ending
Achieved by obtaining the Void Heart and using the Dream Nail on the Hollow Knight during the final battle when Hornet intervenes, this ending unlocks the true final boss fight against the Radiance. After the Knight defeats the Radiance, the Knight destroys the Radiance with their physical body. The Radiance is dragged into the void, ending the infection.
- Aftermath: This ending offers a glimpse of hope. Hallownest is free from the Infection. A new plant starts to grow within the void of the Black Egg. This is generally considered the true or canon ending, although Team Cherry has stated that all endings are “equally canon.” It implies a potential for renewal and growth, signifying a brighter future for Hallownest.
Embrace the Void Ending
This ending is exclusive to the Godmaster DLC and requires completing the Pantheon of Hallownest with all bindings active. Achieving this unlocks the Absolute Radiance fight. After defeating the Absolute Radiance, the Knight ascends to a higher plane of existence, embodying the Void itself.
- Aftermath: The Knight essentially becomes a godlike being, surpassing even the Radiance in power. This ending represents the ultimate triumph over the Infection and a complete mastery of the Void. The implications for Hallownest are ambiguous, but it suggests a shift in the balance of power and a potentially transformative change for the kingdom.
Delicate Flower Ending
This ending shares the same requirements as the Dream No More ending but with one crucial addition: the player must complete the Delicate Flower quest and deliver the flower to the Godseeker before facing the Absolute Radiance.
- Aftermath: After defeating the Absolute Radiance, the Delicate Flower remains intact in the Godseeker’s hands. This ending is similar to the Embrace the Void Ending, although the delicate flower is in Godseeker’s hands. This ending is said to be the ending where the Godseeker achieves complete harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Radiance and Its Demise
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Radiance and its demise in Hollow Knight:
Is the Radiance truly dead after being defeated?
Yes, in most endings, the Radiance is considered truly dead. Her essence is either destroyed entirely or consumed by the Void. The only exception might be the “Embrace the Void” ending, where the Knight ascends to a higher plane, possibly absorbing some aspect of the Radiance’s power.
Which Hollow Knight ending is canon to Silksong?
Team Cherry has stated that all endings are “equally canon,” and you “choose the path yourself.” This means there isn’t a single definitive ending that Silksong will directly follow. The developers likely intend to draw upon elements from multiple endings to create a richer narrative. The Games Learning Society suggests that open-ended narratives like this allow for deeper player engagement with lore. You can learn more about game narratives and lore at GamesLearningSociety.org.
What is the significance of the Void Heart in defeating the Radiance?
The Void Heart is essential for accessing the true final boss fight against the Radiance. It represents the Knight’s mastery over the Void, granting them the power to confront and ultimately destroy the Radiance. Without it, the Knight is merely a vessel, vulnerable to the Radiance’s influence.
Why is the Radiance considered the true final boss?
The Radiance is the source of the Infection, the primary conflict driving the narrative of Hollow Knight. While the Hollow Knight is a formidable foe, they are merely a vessel being controlled by the Radiance’s influence. Defeating the Radiance is the only way to truly end the Infection and bring peace to Hallownest.
What is the relationship between the Radiance and the Pale King?
The Pale King was the ruler of Hallownest who sought to eradicate the Radiance and her influence. He attempted to do this by creating the Vessels, hollow beings meant to contain the Radiance. However, his plan ultimately failed, leading to the events of the game.
What happens to the infected bugs after the Radiance is defeated?
After the Radiance is defeated, the infected bugs are freed from her control. They regain their sanity and autonomy, returning to their normal lives (if possible, given the state of Hallownest).
Why does the Hollow Knight stab himself during the final fight?
The Hollow Knight stabs himself to resist the Radiance’s control and give the Knight an opportunity to strike. It’s a desperate act of defiance, showing that the Hollow Knight still retains some vestige of its original will.
Is the Radiance a bad guy?
From the perspective of the bugs of Hallownest, the Radiance is undoubtedly a villain. She brought about the Infection that ravaged the kingdom and destroyed countless lives. However, she’s not necessarily evil in a conscious, malevolent way. The Radiance is driven by a primal need to be worshipped and remembered.
What is the Pantheon of Hallownest?
The Pantheon of Hallownest is a series of boss rushes within the Godmaster DLC. It culminates in a fight against the Absolute Radiance, a more powerful version of the final boss.
What is the significance of the Delicate Flower?
The Delicate Flower represents purity and hope. Delivering it to the Godseeker before facing the Absolute Radiance leads to a unique ending, suggesting that even in the face of absolute power and chaos, there is still room for compassion and understanding.
What is Silksong about?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is a sequel where players control Hornet in a new kingdom called Pharloom. It features new abilities, enemies, and a brand-new story.
Why does Hornet fight the Knight?
Hornet fights the Knight at Kingdom’s Edge to test their resolve. She wants to ensure they are strong enough to face the challenges ahead and protect Hallownest.
What kind of bug is Radiance?
The Radiance is depicted as a giant moth. This is significant because moths are often associated with light and attraction, reflecting the Radiance’s desire for worship and attention.
Can you dream nail the Radiance?
Yes, the Dream Nail is essential for accessing the fight against the Radiance. By using it on the Hollow Knight when Hornet provides an opening, the Knight can enter the dream realm and confront the Radiance.
Is Hornet a Vessel?
No, Hornet is not a Vessel. While she is the daughter of the Pale King, Vessels are specifically created from the Void to contain the Radiance. Hornet was not created for this purpose.
The death of the Radiance in Hollow Knight is a pivotal moment, marking the end of the Infection and the potential for a new beginning for Hallownest. Which form that new beginning takes is up to the player, and the consequences ripple outward, shaping the destiny of the kingdom and its inhabitants. The nuanced endings, combined with the rich lore and challenging gameplay, make Hollow Knight a truly unforgettable experience.