Mato

"Now I know how my own master felt when he passed down his teachings to us."

- Nailmaster Mato

Nailmaster Mato is one of three Nailmasters in Hollow Knight. He teaches the Cyclone Slash to whoever willing to become his disciple. Mato also appears as a boss as part of the Brothers Oro & Mato dual fight.

Lore
Mato learnt the Nail Arts from the Great Nailsage Sly along with his brothers Oro and Sheo. He was the least skilled disciple of the three, his favourite move being the Cyclone slash. Yet, he had a passion for teaching and hoped to perpetuate the Nailsage's knowledge to the next generation of Nailmasters. His devotion to the Nail Arts made him very close to his brother Sheo, the most talented, but resent Oro, the introverted one. He also failed to understand how Sheo would seek to abandon the Nail Arts for a different craft.

When the three disciples became confirmed Nailmasters, Mato decided to never meet his old master again before mastering his teachings. He established a hut at the top of the world in the Howling Cliffs to continue honing his skills. He did not quit Oro in good terms though, and still awaits the promise his brother made to him.

Hollow Knight
Mato can be found in his hut in the Howling Cliffs. He recognizes the Knight for the fighter they are and does not waste time making them his disciple.

The Nailmaster is overwhelmed with emotion after passing the Cyclone Slash on to the Knight. After this, he welcomes them warmly every time they visit, inviting them to meditate together. Mato will also comment on the Nail Arts the Knight have learnt. While he still resents his brother Oro, he will be delighted to learn that Sheo did not forsake the Nail Arts. He will also be impressed to learn of the Knight being recognized Nailmaster by the Nailsage himself.

Mato's mind is summoned to Godhome by  the Godseeker in a recreation of a training hall. He appears when his brother Oro first falls in combat against the Knight. Despite their mutual resentment, his love for his brothers and the Nail Arts takes over. He then joins Oro in his fight against his opponent. After both are defeated, they bow respectfully to the Knight. The Brothers Oro & Mato are mainly fought at the peak of the Pantheon of the Master and later within the Pantheon of Hallownest.

Location
Nailmaster Mato is found in Howling Cliffs.

Trivia

 * After learning the Cyclone Slash, the Knight can return to Mato's house. He will ask the Knight to meditate with him, and a sit prompt appears beside him, where the Knight can stay for as long as they wish.