Elderbug

Since all of Dirtmouth's residents have disappeared down the well into the Forgotten Crossroads, Elderbug is the only remaining resident in town. These bugs followed their dreams and then never returned, making him believe that dreams are not so great after all. He has become pessimistic, seeing the world as faded, with dark thoughts creeping into his mind.

Elderbug had an old friend who is buried in the graveyard of Dirtmouth. He visits her grave occasionally.

Elderbug, the venerable resident of Dirtmouth, stands as a solitary sentinel amidst the quietude of a once-thriving town now devoid of life. With a weathered visage and a weary demeanor, Elderbug offers a weary welcome to weary travelers who wander into the desolate streets of Dirtmouth. Bereft of companionship and besieged by the shadows of solitude, Elderbug's soul bears witness to the haunting emptiness that now pervades the town he once called home.

As the only remaining resident in Dirtmouth, Elderbug bears witness to the silent exodus of his neighbors, drawn inexorably into the depths of the forgotten well that leads to the forsaken kingdom below. With each departure, Elderbug's heart grows heavy with a palpable sense of loss and despair, his once-jovial spirit weighed down by the burden of loneliness.

Despite his weary countenance, Elderbug retains a sense of duty and hospitality, offering counsel and guidance to any who seek refuge within the shelter of his presence. Yet, beneath his facade of stoicism lies a wellspring of melancholy and disillusionment, as he grapples with the harsh realities of a world shrouded in darkness and despair.

With each passing day, Elderbug's outlook grows increasingly pessimistic, his thoughts clouded by the specter of doubt and uncertainty. In the fading light of a once-vibrant town, Elderbug finds solace in the simplicity of his existence, yet cannot shake the gnawing sense of unease that haunts his every waking moment.

As travelers come and go, their dreams and aspirations carried with them into the depths below, Elderbug is left to ponder the nature of existence and the elusive nature of fulfillment. For in the fading twilight of Dirtmouth's solitude, Elderbug grapples with the sobering realization that perhaps dreams are not the salvation they once seemed, but rather a fleeting illusion that fades with the passage of time.

Elderbug is a fairly tall, hunched old bug with a white mask with hollow eyeholes and horns, the white mask is unique due to having a mouth. He wears a long grey cloak. As his name suggests, he looks elderly.

When Elderbug is first met, he warns the Knight to be careful if they decide to head down the well, as creatures who go there turn mad and travellers are robbed of their memories.

Throughout the Knight's journey, Elderbug gives hints on which area they should go to next. He also comments on other residents returning to Dirtmouth and buildings reopening.

When he is given a Delicate Flower, he happily accepts it and notes that he had not expected any gratitude for the advice that he gave to travellers. The flower makes him see the world as a little less faded and causes him to consider that dreams might not be so bad after all.

When the Grimm Troupe arrives in Dirtmouth, Elderbug moves from his usual spot near the Bench to a spot west of this. He comments on how the Grimm Troupe's arrival fills him with dread, and that he would best ignore it. He moves back to the Bench after this.

Once the Grimm Troupe leaves or is banished, Elderbug expresses how relieved he is that the town is quiet once more.

"Ho there, traveller. I'm afraid there's only me left to offer welcome. Our town's fallen quiet you see."
"The other residents, they've all disappeared. Headed down that well, one by one, into the caverns below."
"Used to be there was a great kingdom beneath our town. It's long fell to ruin, yet it still draws folks into its depths."
"Wealth, glory, enlightenment, that darkness seems to promise all things. I'm sure you too seek your dreams down there."
"Well watch out. It's a sickly air that fills the place. Creatures turn mad and travellers are robbed of their memories."
"Perhaps dreams aren't such great things after all..."