Quirrel

“	Hello there! How delightful to meet another traveller on these forgotten roads. You're a short one, but you've a strong look about you. I'm Quirrel. I have something of an obsession with uncharted places. This ancient kingdom holds many fascinating mysteries, and one of the most intriguing of them is standing right before us. A great stone egg, lying in the corpse of an ancient kingdom. And this egg...Is it warm? It certainly gives off a unique air. Can it be opened? There are strange marks all over it... I do so love a mystery...And who knows what other marvels lie even deeper below us...	„
	~ Quirrel to The Knight

Background

Quirrel is an inquisitive, up-beat explorer, fascinated by the myths of Hallownest for reasons he cannot explain. While he remains a simple observer, he is wise of the land's dangers and has some skill with a nail.

This dropdown contains the synopsis of Quirrel’s story. Read at your own risk as you may be spoiled otherwise!

Lore Before the fall of Hallownest, Quirrel used to be Monomon’s apprentice. When Monomon became a Dreamer, she entrusted Quirrel with her mask, which was part of an additional protection enacted upon herself. Quirrel can be seen wearing this mask on top of his head. In the official comic, it is shown that Quirrel ended up outside of Hallownest Quirrel lost much of his memory eventually. He was called back to Hallownest by Monomon in order to reverse the protection placed on her. He had dreams of Hallownest; the City of Tears, Fog Canyon, the Forgotten Crossroads, the Temple of the Black Egg, and the Hollow Knight. After entering the Howling Cliffs, Quirrel meets Hornet, whom he briefly fights. Hornet allows Quirrel to enter Hallownest when she recognizes Monomon’s mask. Quirrel can initially be found at the Temple of the Black Egg, but he can be encountered in several locations around Hallownest. After helping the Knight kill Monomon by removing the protection on her, he goes to the Blue Lake to see the source of the rain in the City of Tears. In-game events Temple of the Black Egg: Quirrel is first met staring at the Black Egg in wonder. He briefly talks about how he feels drawn to Hallownest. He is aware that both the Knight and himself are ill-equipped for this perilous journey. He explains that many travellers have come down into the ruins and fallen, and lightly suggests that they may have useful belongings that the Knight could use. He leaves if the Knight enters the room west of the False Knight. Lake of Unn: Quirrel is found sitting on a rock next to the Bench inside the structure, polishing his nail. He tells the Knight that their Nail is looking a little worn and that they may not fare as well below the surface. He leaves if the Knight acquires the Mantis Claw. Queen's Station: Inside the station, Quirrel can be found sitting on the edge of a platform above the entrance to the Stagway. He comments on the activity such place must have had during the kingdom's peak. He leaves if the Knight acquires the Mantis Claw or leaves Queen's Station. Mantis Village: If the Knight has entered the deeper part of the Mantis Village where the Mantis Lords can be found, Quirrel can be encountered in the east part of Mantis Village. He hints at seeking out the Nailsmith before proceeding further past the boss fight. He leaves if the Knight defeats the Mantis Lords, enters the City of Tears, enters Deepnest, or listens to him in Mantis Village. City of Tears: Quirrel is found sitting on a Bench on the way out of the first building in the City of Tears, looking out the window. He tells the Knight he feels pulled into the city, but is hesitant to enter, not knowing why. He mentions the water coming down endlessly from above and that he wants to see where it comes from before he leaves the Kingdom. He leaves if the Knight defeats Soul Master or later encounters him in Crystal Peak. Deepnest: Quirrel is found resting in the Hot Spring in Deepnest after the Failed Tramway has been visited. He hints at the existence of a village in Deepnest, home to those who never accepted Hallownest's King. He leaves if the Knight listens to him. Crystal Peak: Quirrel is found standing next to a huge window at the peak, looking down onto Dirtmouth, pondering. He also comments on the sad fate of the Infected miners relentlessly at their endless task. He leaves if the Knight acquires the Crystal Heart or later encounters him in the City of Tears. Outside the Teacher's Archives: Quirrel is found just outside the entrance to the Teacher's Archives, somewhat confused, feeling drawn inside. After entering this room, he can no longer be found at any of the prior locations in Hallownest. He later appears during the Uumuu boss fight to help the Knight by puncturing the outer membrane of the boss, allowing the Knight to damage them. Before Monomon: After inspecting the tank that Monomon the Teacher is inside, Quirrel jumps up from below. He explains the history of the Teacher and that he played a part in her protection. He holds up his hat, which is revealed to be Monomon's mask, and undoes that protection to help the Knight. If the Knight has not yet acquired the Dream Nail, Quirrel suggests they find the Moth Tribe to learn from them how to enter Monomon's mind and break her seal. After Monomon is killed, he sits there until the Knight leaves. He does not wear Monomon's mask again after this encounter. Blue Lake: In the final encounter with Quirrel, he is found sitting next to the Blue Lake, as he said he would want to see where the rainwater is coming from in the City of Tears. He tells the Knight that now, after seeing the world twice over, he finally feels at peace, and he is thankful he could see its beauty again. After the conversation, the Witness achievement is received and the Knight can choose to sit next to him in silence. After leaving the room, Quirrel disappears. His nail can be seen planted into the ground beside the Lake.

General Information

Name: Quirrel

Origin: Hollow Knight

Sex: Male

Age: Unknown

Classification: Bug, Wandering Explorer

Status: Alive

Alignment: Neutral Good (Quirrel is only someone who seeks to help those in need and wanders around. He only fights in self-defense, typically preferring not for it to happen)

Codex Statistics

Tier: 9-B

Cardinality: Finite

Dimensionality: 3-D

Attack Potency: Wall level (Potency) (Able to fight against Hornet. Assisted The Knight in defeating Uumuu, with the former being unable to pierce the latter)

Durability: Wall level

Striking Strength: Wall Class (Potency)

Lifting Strength: Unknown: True Class

Travel Speed: Unknown: True level

Attack Speed: Unknown: Undefinable (Comparable to The Knight, who can move within dream realms. It's stated that time itself has no power over dream realm beings, meaning that the locations lack time due to it not being able to go through dream realms)

Reaction Speed: Unknown: Undefinable

Stamina: High (Due to being a natural explorer and can keep up with The Knight in a battle)

Range: Below Standard Melee

Intelligence: Average Intelligence

Knowledge: At least Expert level (Is noted to be skilled with his nail as Monomons formerly trained him. He also seems to be knowledgeable about Hallownest)

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Powers and Techniques

Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Small Size (Small Animal Sized), Weapon Usage (Noted to be skilled with his nail. Can keep up with other skilled warriors, such as Hornet, and assist The Knight. Was formerly the apprentice of Monomon. Can fight small hoards of enemies), Aura (His mask when attacked released an aura that knocks others back), Limited Clairvoyance (When sleeping, Quirrel can dream about the various locations of Hallownest), Metaphysics Manipulation (Soul Manipulation), Absorption, & Non-Standard Interaction (Within Hollow Knight, striking someone can absorb their soul for SOUL energy).
Resistance to Metaphysics Manipulation (Soul Manipulation; All characters in Hollow Knight can strike each other without fully absorbing each others SOUL), Mind Manipulation and Essence Manipulation (Should his mind be invaded, his dream realm variation can protect it)

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Equipment

Nail, Monomon's Mask

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Other

Standard Tactics: If forced to fight, Quirrel will generally jump around until he finds an opening to strike. He also uses Monomon's Mask to shield himself from strikes.

Weaknesses: Has some form of amnesia.

Battle Records

None.

None.

None.