The tragic fate of Deepnest’s denizens is unique because Deepnest did not fall due to the Radiance’s Infection; it was already a hostile, fractured society that tore itself apart from political deals, isolation, and natural collapses before the plague even peaked. While the rest of Hallownest fell from a golden age into zombie-like stagnation, Deepnest’s collapse was a slow burn caused by the loss of its leadership, external war, and the mass exodus of its most civilized class.
Here is what exactly happened to the distinct groups and leaders of Deepnest: 1. The Loss of the Royal Bloodline
The Dead Sire: Deepnest was originally ruled by a King (referred to as the “Lord of the Beasts” or “Sire”). He died long before the game’s events, leaving the kingdom without a traditional, powerful patriarch.
Herrah the Beast: As a ruler of common descent, Herrah lacked the royal stature to fully unite her hostile people. When the Pale King approached her to become a Dreamer to seal the Infection, she demanded a high price: an heir of noble blood.
The Deal & Slumber: The Pale King fathered Hornet with her (the “Gendered Child”). Immediately after giving birth, Herrah honored the deal and went into an eternal magical slumber inside the Beast’s Den. This left Deepnest completely leaderless, accelerating its descent into chaos. 2. The Civilized Class Fled (The Weavers)
Who they were: The Weavers were an immigrant tribe of highly intelligent, magically skilled spiders who brought tapestry, spells, and sophisticated architecture to Deepnest.
The Exodus: When the very first signs of the Radiance’s Infection began to seep into the caverns, the Weavers realized Hallownest was doomed. They packed up their secrets and entirely abandoned the kingdom, fleeing back across the howling wastes to their original homeland. They left behind only a single watcher, some lingering silk, and an incomplete Seal of Binding. 3. Starvation and Inbreeding (The Distant Villagers) The (Mostly) Complete Lore of Hollow Knight
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