# Hinzelmann — Figures of Earth character guide

> Hinzelmann in Figures of Earth by James Branch Cabell.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Still Hinzelmann

**First appearance:** 0048-xxxvii-opinions-of-hinzelmann

## Snapshot

A household spirit whose dry counsel and unsparing honesty keep Count Manuel company, even when the truth he offers is the last thing Manuel wants to hear.

## Who they are

Hinzelmann serves as something between companion and conscience to Manuel, puncturing his self-deceptions with a kobold's cheerful bluntness. He reminds the still-young count that the price paid to win Niafer back from paradise has aged him nearer fifty-six than twenty-six, and he laments Suskind with a delicacy that makes his grief feel almost human. His running commentary gives the tale its rueful undertone — that dissatisfaction, not contentment, may be the truest thing a man carries.

## Relationships

### [Dom Manuel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/characters/dom_manuel)

_friendship_

A dwarf or magical being who becomes a comedic and loyal sidekick, aiding Manuel with wit and cunning.

### [Dom Manuel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/characters/dom_manuel)

_friendship_

A dwarf or magical being who becomes a comedic and loyal sidekick, aiding Manuel with wit and cunning.

### [Dom Manuel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/characters/dom_manuel)

_friendship_

A dwarf or magical being who becomes a comedic and loyal sidekick, aiding Manuel with wit and cunning.

## In the story

### [XXXVII: Opinions of Hinzelmann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/xxxvii-opinions-of-hinzelmann)

Appears through the third window, speaks of the inescapable obligations of life, and collects his sister Suskind's revenues; he is blood brother to Cain and Seth.

### [XXXVIII: Farewell to Suskind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/xxxviii-farewell-to-suskind)

Hinzelmann's voice joins the lament for Suskind, speaking of her love and the loss of youth.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/characters/hinzelmann
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/characters