Map and Quill
The Map and Quill are Items in Hollow Knight. The map charts the various rooms, passages, and chambers within Hallownest.
To start mapping an area, an incomplete area map must first be purchased from Cornifer. If Cornifer is missed in an area (usually by defeating the area boss), Iselda sells the map of that area for a slightly higher price in Dirtmouth.
The entire map can be viewed by pressing INVENTORY and scrolling to the Map page. This can also be accessed by double-tapping QUICK MAP instead of navigating through the menu. Holding down QUICK MAP opens an overlaid map of the current area, allowing the Knight to walk around in the background while reading the map.
To complete the map, the Quill needs to be purchased from Iselda. After uncharted areas have been explored, a Bench needs to be rested at to update the map. Explored areas of the map appear as coloured segments with solid lines. Most of the time, entering a room fills the entire room on the map; however, some will only become partially revealed.
The Collector's Map
Acquired in the top of the Tower of Love (after defeating the Collector), this item grants the ability to see all the 46 Grub locations on the map, marked by a pin. This works just like the pins bought from Iselda's shop.
Mapping Tools
| Item | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
 Quill |
Used to record one's travels. Requires a map to be of any use. You'll need this if you want to update your map with new area as you explore. It's essential for anyone serious about mapping!' - Iselda |
 120
|
 Map |
Map of Hallownest, partially filled out by Cornifer. Without a Quill it can not be updated. | Varies |
 Map and Quill |
Map of Hallownest. When resting at a Bench or elsewhere, the quill can be used to update the map with newly discovered areas. | When both Map and Quill are purchased |
 Wayward Compass |
Highly recommended! If you're having trouble finding your way in the maze of ruins below us, try this charm. It will pinpoint your location on your map. Incredibly helpful for finding your bearings in unfamiliar locations! |
220
|
| ||
| The 4 markers sold by Iselda can be placed on the map on the inventory screen. Each set contains 6 markers. | ||
 Scarab Marker |
These markers are new additions to the shop. You can use them to mark interesting spots on your map! The colour is quite soothing, don't you think? |
100
|
 Shell Marker |
These markers are new additions to the shop. You can use them to mark interesting spots on your map! You could use this colour to remind yourself of hard-won battles. |
100
|
 Gleaming Marker |
These markers are new additions to the shop. You can use them to mark interesting spots on your map! The material I used for this colour is quite rare, so it costs a little more. |
210
|
 Token Marker |
These markers are new additions to the shop. You can use them to mark interesting spots on your map! This understated colour makes me think of hunting underground for treasure... |
100
|
Maps
Maps can be bought from Cornifer in each area, or, if the Knight misses him (usually by beating the area's boss before speaking to him), Iselda sells them in their shop in Dirtmouth for a slightly higher price.
| Name & Description | Cost (Cornifer) | Cost (Iselda) |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Basin A map of the Ancient Basin, a land buried deep down at the bottom of the world. |
112
|
150
|
| City of Tears A map of the City of Tears, capital of Hallownest. Does water really fall from above the city? It sounds beautiful... |
90
|
120
|
| Crystal Peak A map of Crystal Peak, the huge shining mountain that looms behind Dirtmouth. My husband brought back some crystals from the mines along with the map of this area. What makes them shine so brightly? |
120
|
150
|
| Deepnest A map of Deepnest, a dark and dangerous area at the bottom of the world. |
38
|
50
|
| Fog Canyon A map of Fog Canyon, which connects Greenpath to the Fungal Wastes. The air is thick there, so Cornifer found it difficult to find his way. Well, more difficult than he usually does. |
150
|
200
|
| Forgotten Crossroads A map of the Forgotten Crossroads, the area just below Dirtmouth. Cornifer dragged me down there once. It was an empty, lonely place but still quite impressive. |
30
|
40
|
| Fungal Wastes A map of Fungal Wastes, an area beneath the Forgotten Crossroads that is choked with fungus. My husband brought some mushrooms back from there and tried to cook them. The stench was hideous! |
75
|
100
|
| Greenpath A map of Greenpath, a verdant area of Hallownest close to the surface. Apparently the water there is deadly to the touch! |
60
|
80
|
| Howling Cliffs A map of the Howling Cliffs, which look over Dirtmouth. Cornifer told me that the winds got so loud there he couldn't hear himself speak. Which begs the question...Why was he speaking to himself? |
75
|
100
|
| Kingdom's Edge A map of Kingdom's Edge, all the way out at the end of the world. My husband...He travels to such distant places, while I stay here in town. |
112
|
150
|
| Resting Grounds A map of the Resting Grounds, a sacred place not far from the Crossroads. Cornifer told me he found the area serene and calming, but it sounds a bit spooky to me. No Thanks. |
N/A | 75
|
| Royal Waterways A map of the Royal Waterways, the pipes and chambers below the City of Tears. It sounds like Cornifer really enjoyed exploring the area, though he was damp and shivering when he returned. |
75
|
100
|
| Queen's Gardens A map of the Queen's Gardens, a royal sanctuary close to Greenpath. Cornifer sometimes calls me his Queen...Usually only when I'm angry though. |
150
|
200
|
Map Pins
Iselda's Pins
Most map pins are used to mark locations on the map. Many are sold by Iselda in Dirtmouth, while others will have their unlock condition noted.
| Item | Description | Cost | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
 Whispering Root Pin |
Cornifer has been telling me about these strange whispering roots he's been seeing. I made him some pins so you can record their locations yourself. | 150
|
Acquire Dream Nail |
 Warrior's Grave Pin |
Cornifer told me he's found some interesting looking graves and shrines in the depths. You can use these pins to mark down any interesting graves on your map. Go and pay your respects. | 180
|
Acquire Dream Nail |
 Stag Station Pin |
These pins will mark any Stagway Stations you've visited. They must have been very lively places when the stags still travelled through them. | 100
|
Open first Stag Station |
 Tram Pin |
Those trams sound like awfully advanced machines. Those ancient bugs must've been a clever lot. These pins should be perfect for recording a tram stop's location. |
100
|
Acquiring Tram Pass |
 Vendor Pin |
Use these pins to mark shopkeepers or any other interesting bugs you find on your travels. Every so often, you should pass by and see how they're doing. I'm sure they'd like that. |
100
|
Encountering Cornifer |
 Hot Spring Pin |
I designed these pins to keep track of the kingdom's hot springs. I haven't visited any myself... I wonder if Cornifer might take me sometime? I'm sure you'd make better use of these pins 'til then. |
100
|
Encountering Cornifer |
 Cocoon Pin |
Have you seen those beautiful blue cocoons? I made these pins so you can keep track of them. The cocoons are pretty, but very delicate. Please be careful around them. |
100
|
Encountering Cornifer |
 Bench Pin |
These pins will mark benches and other rest spots on your map. Useful if you're exhausted and just need to find somewhere to sit! | 100
|
Encountering Cornifer |
Other Pins
These pins are placed on the map after achieving specific conditions.
| Item | Description | Condition |
|---|---|---|
 The Collector's Pin |
Marks the locations of all Grubs not yet rescued. | Defeating the Collector and obtaining The Collector's Map |
 The Knight's Pin |
Marks the location of where the Knight is currently. | Equipped Wayward Compass |
 Shade's Pin |
Marks the location of where the Knight last died as well as being where the Knight's Shade is. | When the Knight does not have their Shade |
 Temple of the Black Egg Pin |
Marks the location of the Temple of the Black Egg. | Inspecting the fountain in the City of Tears |
 Dreamers' Pin |
Marks the location of all three Dreamers. | Inspecting the shrine in the Resting Grounds |
  Dreamgate Pin |
Marks the location of where the Dreamgate is currently placed. | Having a Dreamgate currently placed |
  Flame Pin |
Marks the locations of all unobtained flames. | Taking part in the Grimm Troupe's ritual and wearing Grimmchild |
Vendor Pins
| Sly | Iselda | Jiji/Jinn | Grubfather | The Hunter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Leg Eater | Millibelle | Nailsmith | Lemm | Salubra |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Colosseum |  Godseeker
|
Seer | ||
 |
 |
 |
Dreamer Pins
| Monomon | Lurien | Herrah |
|---|---|---|
 |
|
 |
Achievements
|
Cartographer |
|---|---|
| Acquire a map of each area. 15G |
Trivia
- In some areas, the map displays the Knight to be in a different location than that it should.
- The White Palace and
Godhome are not displayed on the map. Despite this, the game still registers when a new place in these areas was discovered and announces an update to the map when sitting on a Bench.