Among the shadows and whispers of Hollow Knight: Silksong, few characters stand out quite like Yarnaby. A physician of peculiar genius, she resides in the mist-wrapped region of Greymoor, hidden away in her Bellhome on the western cliffs. Though eccentric in manner and her speech often punctuated with sharp “bzzt!”, Yarnaby plays a central role in Hornet’s journey, offering quests that blur the line between medicine, curse-breaking, and obsession.

Where to Find Yarnaby in Silksong?

Yarnaby makes her home in Greymoor, an isolated yet significant area within Silksong. Players will first encounter her at her Bellhome on the upper-left side of the region. At first, she refuses Hornet entry, demanding proof of a “worthy specimen”—something “truly nasty inside them.”

A section of the Hollow Knight: Silksong game map showing the Greymoor area. A red arrow and circle highlight a specific point on the map, indicating the location of an important landmark or character. The labels "Halfway Hom" and "GREYMOOR" are also visible. — Credit: Team Cherry

This condition ties directly to later story beats. Only after acquiring the Twisted Bud, an item obtained through the cursed paths of Shelwood and linked to the NPC Greyroot, does Yarnaby acknowledge Hornet’s plight and open her doors. Until then, she remains an enigmatic figure, equal parts gatekeeper and healer.

Notably, Yarnaby does not relocate like some other NPCs. Her presence is firmly rooted in Greymoor, making her a fixed landmark in Hornet’s journey.

A promotional image for Hollow Knight: Silksong, featuring the protagonist Hornet in a cavern holding a dark, wailing object known as the Twisted Bud. She is surrounded by stalactites, stone pillars, and a glowing, fiery background.

Check the Detailed Guide: Hollow Knight: Silksong Twisted Bud Guide – Location, Uses, and Cursed Ending

Yarnaby’s Quests and Rewards

Yarnaby provides two important quests in Hollow Knight: Silksong:

Rite of Rebirth – This initial questline ties into the acquisition of the Twisted Bud, setting the stage for Hornet’s cursed affliction.
Infestation Operation – Once Hornet gains Yarnaby’s recognition, she tasks the player with gathering Steel Spines from the bugs Benjin and Crull, who lurk in the tangled roads above the moors. These spines are essential to upgrading Yarnaby’s strange contraption, the Extricator, which she uses to pierce shells and extract infestation.

Upon completing Yarnaby’s wishes, Hornet is rewarded with the Crest of the Witch, a unique charm-like relic. However, Yarnaby’s assistance comes at a cost: after the operation, she refuses Hornet re-entry, her dialogue cycling back to her initial dismissal. In true Hollow Knight fashion, gratitude and closure are left ambiguous.

A screenshot from Hollow Knight: Silksong showing the character Hornet standing in a shadowy environment. A text box above her head displays dialogue from the NPC Yarnaby. The text reads: "I am sick, madam, and badly in need of your service. I've become host to a vile infestation. It leeches my strength, and attempts to wrest control of my shell." — Credit: Team Cherry

Lore and Dialogue – The Outcast Healer

Yarnaby’s lore paints her as a physician “unfairly outcast,” a mind brimming with brilliance yet alienated from her peers. Her obsession with infection, infestation, and strange internal maladies borders on unsettling. When Hornet arrives, cursed, Yarnaby reacts with a mix of fascination and authority, calling herself the only one capable of salvation:

“Why, ’tis the great Yarnaby, genius physician, unfairly outcast, who now towers before you!”

Her dialogue hints at a complicated history with the wider world of Pharloom. Though her knowledge is vital, her eccentric mannerisms and self-importance mark her as an outsider—someone both indispensable and mistrusted.

Key Takeaways for Players

Location: Yarnaby can always be found in Greymoor, inside her Bellhome.
Access Condition: She will only allow Hornet entry after acquiring the Twisted Bud from Shelwood.
Questlines: “Rite of Rebirth” and “Infestation Operation” define her involvement.
Rewards: Completing her wishes grants the Crest of the Witch.
Lore Significance: Yarnaby embodies the outcast genius archetype, blending unsettling medical zeal with vital aid.