Talk:Radiance/@comment-25403644-20180905073032

I have never subscribed to the ideology that the Radiance was originally evil. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not claiming she's a saint, but I wouldn't take the Pale King's account of her at face value.

Only two members of the entire Moth Tribe, Thistlewind and Markoth, were actually warriors. To me this indicates the Moths were a peaceful society. Of course they spread their faith of the Radiance to anyone who would listen, but did so without a legion of crusaders to invade and conquer in her name.

Becoming a follower of the Radiance added you into a Hive Mind, but that did not limit creation of a vibrant civilization that showed signs of loyalty (the Hive Knight) and kindness (the Hive Queen). Indeed the Pale King spoke with the Moth Tribe before tricking them into betraying the Radiance, and doing so indicates they already had intellect and a language.

It's not like the Pale King created a utopia... Hollownest was incredible, but it possessed class structure and inequity. It's not like the Pale King was infallible... he certainly had many good ideas, but also committed atrocities and spoke lies. It's not like the Pale King was peaceful... the Mantis Tribe insinuate there was violence between them (though who threw the first punch isn't mentioned).

Yes there's the Infection... but that doesn't seem to have been an original power of the Radiance. That came along AFTER she was betrayed. AFTER she was sealed. AFTER she was forgotten. AFTER it was clear the Pale King wanted her dead. Not saying the Radiance is justified in making bugkind suffer in seek vengeance, but her actions are that of someone lashing out in desperation and/or madness.

I'm also not sure if the Infection was INTENTIONAL by the Radiance. It could be a product of her railing against the walls of her prison. So much about the lore behind Hollow Knight is left mysterious and open to interpretation, I'm often left wondering if the Radiance is another victim of the Pale King's unknown machinations.