Vengefly King

"Patriarch of a vengefly colony. Swoops at intruders and cries out for reinforcements if threatened. A filthy creature that is happy to chew on any old thing it finds discarded on the cavern floor. When it notices a threat it will annoyingly scream and shriek, so kill it swiftly."

The Vengefly King is an optional mini-boss in Hollow Knight as well as a Colosseum of Fools mini-boss. Unlocking its Journal entry requires defeating 2 Vengefly Kings.

In-game events
Vengefly Kings are the territorial patriarchs of Vengeflies and are native to Greenpath. One can be encountered above the roads of Greenpath, hanging on the ceiling and chewing on Zote. Harming it prompts it to release Zote and fight the Knight. Upon defeat, the Infection bursts out of it and makes it explode. Neglecting to help Zote results instead in the Vengefly King eating him before disappearing.

One more Vengefly King can be fought during the Trial of the Warrior.

Behaviour & Tactics
The Vengefly King has two attacks:


 * Swipe: The Vengefly King opens its jaw and swoops at the Knight in a wide 'U' shape.
 * Summoning Scream: The Vengefly King emits a screech, summoning between 0 and 2 Vengeflies. A maximum of 4 Vengeflies can be alive at once.

If it opens its mouth to Swipe, wait until it starts moving and jump over it as it approaches. Either perform a downward slash to get in some damage or simply avoid it.

When it summons normal Vengeflies, it is best to kill them as quickly as possible. The longer they are around, the more difficult dodging the Vengefly King becomes, especially when it summons more Vengeflies. The Vengeflies provide an easy way to get SOUL.

There is enough time to heal immediately after dodging a Swipe attack.

Location
The Vengefly King is first encountered in the northern part of Greenpath. It can also be fought in the Trial of the Warrior at the Colosseum of Fools.

Trivia

 * If Zote is not rescued, then the Vengefly King in Greenpath cannot be fought. However, the Hunter's Journal entry can still be completed when one is fought in the Trial of the Warrior or in Godhome.
 * Despite having an unlock text in the Hall of Gods, it is impossible to see it in-game as Vengefly King's statue is automatically unlocked.