Analyzing the Narrative Ambiguities of Hollow Knight: Silksong

Team Cherry's latest creation, Hollow Knight: Silksong, carries forward the acclaimed storytelling approach established in its predecessor, skillfully embedding narrative elements and character evolution throughout the player's journey. Yet, a notable narrative conundrum surfaces within the game's core: the protagonist's identity remains fluid, shifting between Hornet, the designated main character, and the player guiding her. This uncertainty significantly influences the game's otherwise profound and spiritually resonant pilgrimage storyline, prompting an exploration of its powerful critiques of institutionalized faith and the untapped growth potential of its central figure.

The Dual Protagonist Dilemma in Silksong's Narrative

Hollow Knight: Silksong, while praised for its ambitious narrative depth that mirrors medieval pilgrimages and morality plays, struggles with a fundamental question: Is the true protagonist Hornet or the player? The story begins with Hornet imprisoned, embarking on a transformative journey through Pharloom's diverse regions, mirroring allegorical narratives like Dante's The Divine Comedy. Her path from the hellish depths to the opulent Citadel, observing the suffering of the exploited masses under a corrupt religious regime, is rich with spiritual undertones and a critique of organized religion. The game's true ending, where Hornet liberates herself from a preordained destiny and inspires change through compassion, powerfully delivers a message about self-determination and the importance of human connection over rigid dogma. However, the game frequently places the player, rather than Hornet, at the center of these thematic explorations, creating a disconnect between the character's journey and the game's overarching message.

This narrative ambiguity prevents Hornet from fully embodying the transformative journey the game meticulously crafts. Although the storyline is laden with references to spiritual awakening and societal critique, Hornet herself often remains a static figure. Her motivations are primarily driven by a desire to return home, and her interactions with the downtrodden inhabitants of Pharloom are marked by indifference, or at best, a reluctant engagement. Unlike the player, who actively chooses to help and show compassion, Hornet's character arc doesn't inherently demonstrate significant personal growth or a shift in perspective. This lack of internal friction or development for Hornet undermines the impact of the game's profound themes, as the primary vehicle for the narrative—Hornet herself—does not fully participate in the moral and spiritual evolution that the story intends to convey. The game's side characters, though often evocative and representative of diverse belief systems, also fail to significantly influence Hornet's development, further highlighting this missed opportunity for character-driven narrative progression.

Unrealized Potential: Hornet's Static Journey and Thematic Disconnect

Despite Silksong's intricate world-building and profound themes, Hornet's journey remains largely devoid of personal transformation, creating a noticeable gap between the player's engagement and the character's internal experience. The game's narrative structure, influenced by allegorical works, positions Hornet on a spiritual pilgrimage through Pharloom, yet her actions and reactions often lack the depth expected of a central figure undergoing such a profound adventure. While the player is encouraged to embody compassion and challenge established dogmas, Hornet's character is frequently portrayed as a passive participant, driven more by external circumstances than by internal evolution. This distinction is crucial, as it suggests a storytelling oversight where the game's philosophical messages are delivered to the player directly, rather than being organically demonstrated through Hornet's growth and changing perspectives.

The game's failure to imbue Hornet with genuine agency and emotional resonance limits the overall impact of its narrative. Moments that could serve as catalysts for Hornet's character development—such as her interactions with Pharloom's suffering inhabitants or critical decisions in the storyline—are often presented without corresponding internal struggle or observable change in Hornet. Her responses are frequently characterized by indifference, making it challenging for players to connect her arc with the grander thematic explorations of freedom, faith, and responsibility. This narrative choice, or perhaps oversight, means that while the player actively shapes the unfolding events and engages with the moral dilemmas, Hornet remains a somewhat detached figure in her own story. Consequently, the game's otherwise compelling meta-storytelling, which skillfully integrates game mechanics with narrative themes, is hampered by this fundamental disconnect, as the potential for Hornet to embody and amplify these messages through her personal evolution is largely left unfulfilled.