Little Pilgrim

Basic Information

• •Name: Pilby (initially known as Little Pilgrim)
• •Gender: Male
• •Location: Bone Bottom (initially), Pilgrim's Rest (Act 2)
• •Category: Wanderer NPC

Description

Little Pilgrim, whose real name is revealed to be Pilby, is a fellow traveler undertaking the dangerous pilgrimage to the holy Citadel. He is found resting near the Bench in Bone Bottom, taking time to gather his strength before continuing his perilous journey upward. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers that await pilgrims on their path to the Citadel, and his fate can vary dramatically depending on the player's actions.

Background

Pilby is one of many pilgrims attempting to reach the sacred Citadel that towers above Pharloom. Like most who undertake this treacherous journey, he understands the grave risks involved, noting that most pilgrims "will fall long before we see the grand gates." His cautious approach to the pilgrimage, taking time to rest and prepare, demonstrates both wisdom and an awareness of his own limitations.

Story Arc

Initial Encounter

When first met in Bone Bottom, Pilby mistakes Hornet for a fellow pilgrim embarking on the journey to the Citadel. Despite Hornet's clarification that she is not a pilgrim, he welcomes her company and offers sage advice about the dangers ahead. His friendly demeanor and willingness to share his resting spot reveal a kind and generous nature.

The Terrible Tyrant Quest

Pilby's fate becomes intertwined with the completion of "The Terrible Tyrant" quest. This quest involves confronting the Skull Tyrant, and the outcome dramatically affects both Pilby's survival and the area of Bone Bottom itself.

Potential Death

If the player completes "The Terrible Tyrant" quest and triggers the boss fight by using the bench in Bone Bottom, this results in Pilby's death and the destruction of the area. The Skull Tyrant's attack devastates Bone Bottom, claiming Pilby as one of its victims.

Alternative Survival Path

Players can save Pilby by avoiding the bench after completing "The Terrible Tyrant" quest. If the player progresses to Act 2 without triggering the Bone Bottom destruction, Pilby will safely relocate to Pilgrim's Rest, provided the player has opened the door to the right of the building with the bench.

Funeral and Memorial

Regardless of his survival, after the bench in Bone Bottom is repaired, a Quiet Pilgrim appears where Pilby once sat. If Pilby dies, a funeral takes place, and the dialogue during this event changes depending on whether the player learned his real name through conversation.

Key Dialogue

First Encounter

""Hm? A fellow pilgrim, are you? About to start your great journey to the holy Citadel up top?""

Hornet's Response: *"I am no pilgrim, sir, though it seems we will be travelling a similar path."*

""Not a pilgrim? Well, it makes no difference, I suppose. We all must walk the roads, up and up, though most of us will fall long before we see the grand gates.""

""If you're wise, you'll stop here and rest a while before heading out into that dangerous world...""

Regular Dialogue

""Rest here with me as long as you like. I'm not ready to leave yet, and a little company is always nice.""

Gameplay Mechanics

Quest Interactions

• •The Terrible Tyrant: Pilby's survival depends on player choices during this quest
• •Bench Trigger: Using the Bone Bottom bench after completing the quest triggers his death
• •Act 2 Progression: Advancing to Act 2 without using the bench allows his survival

Location Changes

• •Bone Bottom: Initial location near the bench
• •Pilgrim's Rest: Safe relocation point in Act 2 (if door is opened)
• •Further Movement: Continues traveling after dialogue is exhausted and one boss is defeated

Name Discovery

• •Players can learn his real name "Pilby" through exhausted dialogue
• •Knowing his name affects funeral dialogue if he dies
• •Demonstrates the importance of taking time to connect with NPCs

Character Development

Pilby represents the archetypal pilgrim - hopeful yet realistic about the dangers ahead. His willingness to rest and prepare, rather than rushing headlong into danger, showcases wisdom that many other pilgrims lack. His companionship offers Hornet (and the player) a moment of peaceful respite in an otherwise hostile world.

Thematic Significance

Little Pilgrim embodies several key themes:

• •Pilgrimage and Sacrifice: The dangerous journey to spiritual enlightenment
• •Mortality and Preparation: The wisdom of taking time to rest and prepare
• •Community in Solitude: Finding companionship among fellow travelers
• •Consequence of Action: How player choices directly impact NPC fates
• •Memento Mori: The reminder that death can come suddenly to the unprepared

Gameplay Impact

Pilby's questline serves as an important lesson about the consequences of player actions. His potential death demonstrates that the world continues to exist and react based on the player's choices, making each decision feel meaningful and weighty. The funeral mechanics show how the game world remembers and honors those who are lost.

Connection to Larger Narrative

As a pilgrim bound for the Citadel, Pilby represents the broader theme of spiritual journey that runs throughout Silksong. His fate serves as a cautionary tale about the price of seeking enlightenment in a dangerous world, while his survival path demonstrates that careful planning and consideration can sometimes overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Official Sources

• •Hollow Knight Wiki
• •Team Cherry official materials

Notes

Little Pilgrim's storyline exemplifies Team Cherry's commitment to meaningful NPC interactions where player choices have lasting consequences. His character serves both as a companion offering respite and as a reminder of the very real dangers that await all who venture toward the Citadel. The multiple possible outcomes for his story encourage players to think carefully about their actions and their impact on the world around them.