Quirrel

"For so long I've felt drawn here. So many tales full of wonders and horrors. No longer could I resist. I just had to see it for myself."

- Quirrel

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.

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. After helping Boon fight off some bugs and travelling with them for some time, they part ways. 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.

Locations Quirrel can be found in several locations across Hallownest. However, he does not appear in all of them after he is encountered in Fog Canyon.

Achievements

Quirrel Квиррел Quirrel Quirrel