Soul Masters
Rather than a formalized group, the Soul Masters are hostile scholars who independently sought to master soul magic within the Soul Sanctum. They attack the Knight on sight, offering no guidance or recognition of the Knight as a Vessel. Their presence represents a corrupted remnant of Hallownest's past, not a disciplined order established by the Pale King.
- Key Members
- Soul Master, Soul Warrior
Lore & Background
These masters were scholars who pursued forbidden soul magic in the Soul Sanctum, separate from the Vessel creation process. Their experiments, driven by a desire to transcend mortality, ultimately led to their downfall as the Infection spread. The Soul Master and Soul Warrior are hostile bosses and minibosses that attack the Knight without any indication of recognizing it as a Vessel or providing guidance. Unlike the Snail Shaman in the Ancestral Mound, who upgrades Soul Vessels for Geo, the Soul Masters offer no aid and are purely antagonistic.
In Their Own Story
The air hums with a low vibration as the Knight steps into the chamber. Blue light swirls around the stone pillars, coalescing into shapes that watch silently. Orphanid floats above the ground, his presence heavy with ancient knowledge. He does not speak of war or plague, only of balance and weight. The Knight raises its mask, feeling the pull of the energy within. It is a trial of will, a moment where silence speaks louder than any scream in this dying kingdom.
Reader's Guide
The Soul Masters are a specialized collective residing within the City of Tears, dedicated to the study and manipulation of pure energy known as souls. Unlike the chaotic forces spreading through Hallownest, these bugs maintain a disciplined focus on spiritual refinement. Their primary function involves testing the capacity of Vessels and other warriors to withstand high concentrations of soul energy without corruption. For the Knight, interacting with them unlocks deeper understanding of their own vessel's potential. They do not seek political power but rather preserve ancient knowledge regarding the Pale Order's creation methods. Members include Orphanid and Sheo, who serve as instructors and examiners respectively. While they appear calm, they possess significant combat prowess to defend their sanctum from intruders or corrupted entities. Their existence highlights a time when souls were tools of order rather than weapons of infection, standing as silent guardians against the Radiance's influence in the city.
Did You Know?
- The game was developed by Australian studio Team Cherry.
- Hollow Knight sold more than 15 million copies.
- A sequel titled Hollow Knight: Silksong has not yet been released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Soul Masters?
These individuals serve as mentors and examiners for warriors seeking to understand the spiritual forces powering Hallownest's ancient Vessels. They represent a disciplined order from before the infection took hold of the kingdom.
Where can players find them?
The Soul Masters are located within the Soul Sanctum in the City of Tears. Their status remains active despite the surrounding ruin and decay.
What is their specific role regarding soul energy?
They provide critical influence on the development of any warrior capable of wielding soul energy effectively. Their teachings offer essential context for the Knight's journey through the ruined kingdom.
Who are the notable members mentioned in lore?
Sheo is a primary figure encountered during specific trials, while other remnants like Orphanids reflect their hollowed state. They act as the guardians of this spiritual knowledge.
Why does their history matter to the Pale King's legacy?
Their presence signifies that some structure from the Pale King's original order still functions today. This continuity helps explain the origins and purpose of the Vessels created for the kingdom.
More in Factions & Groups
Related in Hollow Knight
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Elsewhere in the Hollow Knight universe
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