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Elegy of the Deep

Elegy of the Deep is a powerful Ancestral Art in Hollow Knight: Silksong that allows Hornet to delve into the forgotten memories of Pharloom. By playing a somber tune on her Needolin, she can physically enter moments from the past, unlocking secret areas, revealing hidden lore, and facing unique challenges.

This guide explains how to complete the ‘Spell Seeker’ quest to learn the Elegy of the Deep, how to use it, and details all known locations where memories can be accessed.

Ancestral Art
Elegy of the Deep icon

Elegy of the Deep

"Draw out memories of Pharloom's forgotten past."

Location: Ruined Chapel (from Snail Shamans)

Elegy of the Deep is a reward for completing the ‘Spell Seeker’ main quest in Act 3. This quest is given by the Snail Shamans located in the Ruined Chapel within Moss Grotto, likely after you have ascended from The Abyss.

  1. Reach Act 3 You must progress the main story to Act 3 to unlock the necessary events.

  2. Find the Snail Shamans Make your way to the Ruined Chapel area within the Moss Grotto region to find the Snail Shamans.

  3. Complete the ‘Spell Seeker’ Quest Accept and complete the main quest they provide. This will be a key part of your Act 3 journey.

  4. Learn the Elegy Once the quest is complete, the Snail Shamans will teach Hornet the Elegy of the Deep tune.

When you are near a location where a memory can be accessed, the screen will dim slightly and you will hear a faint heartbeat. This is your cue to use the ability. Using it costs one strand of Silk.

Hold the inputs to play the Needolin. After a few seconds, Hornet will collapse and awaken within the memory.

PC: Hold Down + V PlayStation: Hold Left Stick Down + R2 Xbox: Hold Left Stick Down + RT Switch: Hold Left Analog Down + ZR

The Elegy is used in specific locations to uncover secrets and fight unique bosses.

Section Icon Known Memory Locations

  • Lost Verdania: Used near the Green Prince and the shell of a Cogwork Dancer to access a secret area related to his quest.
  • Coral Tower: At the end of the Sands of Karak, where the Conchcutter is found. This leads to a hidden challenge area in the ancient version of the tower.
  • Far Fields: In the room of Skarrsinger Karmelita, allowing you to encounter this past resident.
  • Shellwood: At the shrine guarded by Shrine Guardian Seth, where you can relive the past and encounter Nyleth.

Section Icon Death Inside a Memory

Dying within a memory has unique rules and is much safer than dying normally.

Once you defeat a memory’s boss and acquire its “Heart”, that memory cannot be revisited.

Section Icon Special Use: Awakening a Boss

  • In a hidden area of the Sands of Karak, the Elegy can be used to awaken the Watcher at the Edge boss.