Forgotten Crossroads
General Info
| Area/Region | Hollownest |
|---|---|
| Website | https://hollowknight.fandom.com/wiki/Forgotten_Crossroads |
| Location Name | Forgotten Crossroads |
Overview
As you cross the junction, you will pass through several caves filled with bioluminescent plants and mushrooms, creating an eerie and atmospheric atmosphere. You will find that it is inhabited by various tiny creatures, remnants of a prosperous era, now transformed into infected lifeforms.
There are several important sites at the intersection, such as the Ancestral Mound, which offers valuable charm. Then there's the Temple of the Black Egg, a mysterious monument tied to the game's deepest lore. Visitors may also encounter the enchantment vendor Salubra, who supplies vital accessories.
Another important aspect of Crossroads is interconnectedness. It provides access to several areas such as Greenpath, Crystal Peak, and City of Tears, and takes adventurers deeper into the mysteries of Hallownest. But an unexpected twist later in the game infects the entire Crossroads area, creating new challenges for even the seasoned explorer. The forgotten crossroads, despite its organic beauty and inherent melancholy, is a constant reminder of a glorious past that crumbled into nothing but ruins. It's a gateway to the history of the fallen kingdom beneath the surface, and it's an integral part of the Hollow Knight's journey.
History
The first inhabitants of this elaborate building were ancient insects, led by the Pale King, a divine figure who once ruled the underground kingdom of Hallownest. His rule, based on dreams of civilizational growth, intellectual prosperity, and the promise of immortality, made the Crossroads a hub of vibrant activity.
Artisans, miners, and merchants used the forgotten crossroads as a means of getting around the kingdom. The Black Egg Temple found here is a symbol of the Pale King's ambitions: an isolation vessel to protect the kingdom from the infection brought upon civilization by the moth goddess Radiance.
The infection quickly spread and took over the insects' minds, making them hostile and violent. A once-prosperous kingdom descended into madness, turning the Crossroads into a territory of decay and violence. The commotion of the place died down when the inhabitants were brutally killed.
But sustainable architecture has a resilience that points to a once rich culture and advanced society. Even in the midst of devastation, the Forgotten Crossroads maintain their vital role, providing a path for the brave few through the ruins of Hallownest.
The story of Forgotten Crossroads is a testimony that even the wildest dreams are false and it is inevitable that nature will regain its rights. It takes on a melancholic tone and bears witness to the grim remains of people betrayed by their own aspirations. The crossroads is not only a symbol of past prosperity and subsequent destruction, but also a beacon that illustrates the transience of power and glory. It reminds us that even in failure there is a story of survival; a story that shapes the legacy of the Hollow Knight universe.
Background
The Forgotten Crossroads is a testament to the rise and fall of the insect kingdom. This place was once the heart of Hallownest due to its proximity to the Palace of the Pale King. This fertile land, where cartographers draw unfathomable depths, once teemed with life and served as a trading post full of travelers and merchants.
Over the centuries, Crocevia's glory faded and gave way to decay. A plague-like plague caused by Radiance entered the heart of Hallownest, reducing it to a shadow of its former glory. The bustling metropolis is now overrun by "shells", overrun by insects, a stark reminder of Hallownest's heyday.
Even in its desolate state, hope lives in its cavernous channels. The Temple of the Black Egg, a symbol of protection and isolation, stands amidst the desert. It features the main character of the story, the Hollow Knight, created to capture the influence of radiation and protect the kingdom from a terrible plague.
Crossroads is now a moving reminder of a forgotten era and tells a story that has never been told. In every nook and cranny is a piece of Hallownest's vivid past, a forgotten legacy waiting to be discovered. Silent corridors, gloomy structures and mysterious corners are an inviting challenge for any wanderer who dares to traverse its depths.