# Ulrich Herzbruder — The Adventurous Simplicissimus character guide > Ulrich Herzbruder in The Adventurous Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** old Herzbruder, young Herzbruder, the honest Herzbruder, good old Herzbruder, So poor Ulrich **First appearance:** 0060-xxiii-how-ulrich-herzbruder-sold-himself-for-a-hundred-ducats ## Snapshot A soldier of stubborn honesty whose loyalty to Simplicissimus survives debt, capture, and the general collapse of decency around them. ## Who they are Herzbruder moves through the war as a man of faith and conscience in a profession that rewards neither, bound to Simplicissimus by a friendship that outlasts their changing fortunes. His defining tension is between the honest life he wants and the miserable straits his goodness keeps landing him in—released from a musket here, stripped of everything there. He matters because he gives Simplicissimus something the war never does: a fixed point of moral reference against which the hero's own sliding scale can be measured. ## In the story ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/book-ii) A fellow soldier and friend who is sold for a hundred ducats, marking a key event in the chapter. ### [XXI: Is Somewhat Shorter and More Entertaining Than the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxi-is-somewhat-shorter-and-more-entertaining-than-the-last) The muster-clerk, son of old Herzbruder; becomes Simplicissimus's sworn brother; favored by the colonel for the post of regimental secretary. ### [XXII: A Rascally Trick to Step Into Another Man’s Shoes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxii-a-rascally-trick-to-step-into-another-man-s-shoes) Young Herzbruder is falsely accused of stealing the colonel's cup and is banished from the camp, despite his innocence. ### [XXIII: How Ulrich Herzbruder Sold Himself for a Hundred Ducats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiii-how-ulrich-herzbruder-sold-himself-for-a-hundred-ducats) Young Herzbruder is disgraced, stripped of his office, and wishes for death; he is freed with Simplicissimus's money and enlists in the Swedish army. ### [How Two Prophecies Were Fulfilled at Once](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiv-how-two-prophecies-were-fulfilled-at-once) Feigns illness, prophesies the future, and is murdered by a drunken lieutenant. ### [XXV: How Simplicissimus Was Transformed from a Boy Into a Girl and Fell Into Divers Adventures of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxv-how-simplicissimus-was-transformed-from-a-boy-into-a-girl-and-fell-into-divers-adventures-of-love) Mentioned as having prophesied misfortunes that Simplicissimus cannot avoid; his death is referenced as a turning point. ### [XXVI: How He Was Imprisoned for a Traitor and Enchanter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxvi-how-he-was-imprisoned-for-a-traitor-and-enchanter) Mentioned as dead; Simplicissimus recalls his prophecy about the fool's coat. ### [XXVII: How the Provost Fared in the Battle of Wittstock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxvii-how-the-provost-fared-in-the-battle-of-wittstock) Young Herzbruder kills the provost with the help of a musketeer and rescues Simplicissimus. ### [XXVIII: Of a Great Battle Wherein the Conqueror Is Captured in the Hour of Triumph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxviii-of-a-great-battle-wherein-the-conqueror-is-captured-in-the-hour-of-triumph) Mentioned as missing after the battle; his captain inherits Simplicissimus. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/book-iii) A loyal friend to Simplicissimus, who is sold for a hundred ducats, highlighting the commodification of human life during war. ### [Book IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/book-iv) A loyal friend and companion to Simplicissimus, offering guidance and support. ### [X: How Simplicissimus Was All Unexpectedly Quit of His Musket](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/x-how-simplicissimus-was-all-unexpectedly-quit-of-his-musket) Simplicissimus's faithful friend, now of high rank, who uses his influence to secure Simplicissimus's release and provides him with new clothes and a horse. ### [Discourses of the Order of the Marauder Brothers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xi-discourses-of-the-order-of-the-marauder-brothers) Agrees to help Simplicissimus by providing a horse and servant, but holds back after the first two horses are lost. ### [XIII: How Oliver Conceived That He Could Excuse His Brigand’s Tricks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiii-how-oliver-conceived-that-he-could-excuse-his-brigand-s-tricks) Mentioned in Oliver's recollection of a prophecy that Simplicissimus would avenge his death. ### [XIV: How Oliver Explained Herzbruder’s Prophecy to His Own Profit, and So Came to Love His Worst Enemy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiv-how-oliver-explained-herzbruder-s-prophecy-to-his-own-profit-and-so-came-to-love-his-worst-enemy) Herzbruder's prophecy about Simplicissimus avenging Oliver's death is cited by Oliver as the reason for his newfound affection. ### [Of the Homecoming and Departure of This Worshipful Student, and How He Sought to Obtain Advancement in the Wars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xviii-of-the-homecoming-and-departure-of-this-worshipful-student-and-how-he-sought-to-obtain-advancement-in-the-wars) Young Herzbruder is favored by the colonel and is the target of Oliver's plot, leading to his dismissal. ### [How Simplicissimus Fulfilled Herzbruder’s Prophecy to Oliver Before Yet Either Knew the Other](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xix-how-simplicissimus-fulfilled-herzbruder-s-prophecy-to-oliver-before-yet-either-knew-the-other) Referenced through the prophecy that Simplicissimus fulfills against Oliver. ### [XX: How It Doth Fare with a Man on Whom Evil Fortune Doth Rain Cats and Dogs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xx-how-it-doth-fare-with-a-man-on-whom-evil-fortune-doth-rain-cats-and-dogs) Mentioned for his dark prophecies that Simplicissimus now interprets. ### [How Simplicissimus Became a Rich Man and Herzbruder Fell Into Great Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiii-how-simplicissimus-became-a-rich-man-and-herzbruder-fell-into-great-misery) Found in a pitiful state at the inn, with a bound head, sling, and lice-ridden clothes, begging for food and drink. ### [XXIV: Of the Manner in Which Herzbruder Fell Into Such Evil Plight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiv-of-the-manner-in-which-herzbruder-fell-into-such-evil-plight) Found wounded and impoverished; recounts his capture, wounds, and survival after the Battle of Wittenweier and the failed relief of Breisach. ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/book-v) A loyal companion and friend to Simplicissimus. ### [How Simplicissimus Turned Palmer and Went on a Pilgrimage with Herzbruder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/i-how-simplicissimus-turned-palmer-and-went-on-a-pilgrimage-with-herzbruder) Healed and determined to fulfill his pilgrimage vow; refuses Simplicissimus's money and company due to scruples, but eventually relents; rebukes Simplicissimus for boiling the peas. ### [II: How Simplicissimus, Being Terrified of the Devil, Was Converted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/ii-how-simplicissimus-being-terrified-of-the-devil-was-converted) Accompanies Simplicissimus to Einsiedeln, defends him against the devil's claims, and rejoices at his friend's conversion. ### [III: How the Two Friends Spent the Winter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/iii-how-the-two-friends-spent-the-winter) Counsels frugality, becomes steward of the shared money, tells his life story, and contacts General Count Götz to restore his fortunes. ### [IV: In What Manner Simplicissimus and Herzbruder Went to the Wars Again and Returned Thence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/iv-in-what-manner-simplicissimus-and-herzbruder-went-to-the-wars-again-and-returned-thence) Promotes Simplicissimus at a banquet, is wounded in battle losing his testicles, develops paralysis, is advised to take the waters at Griesbach, and makes Simplicissimus his heir. ### [How Simplicissimus Rode Courier and in the Likeness of Mercury Learned from Jove What His Design Was as Regards War and Peace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/v-how-simplicissimus-rode-courier-and-in-the-likeness-of-mercury-learned-from-jove-what-his-design-was-as-regards-war-and-peace) Recovering from poisoning at the spa; gives Simplicissimus trinkets for his wife. ### [VI: A Story of a Trick That Simplicissimus Played at the Spa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/vi-a-story-of-a-trick-that-simplicissimus-played-at-the-spa) Lies ill and near death, comforted by Simplicissimus's presence. ### [How Herzbruder Died and How Simplicissimus Again Fell to Wanton Courses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/vii-how-herzbruder-died-and-how-simplicissimus-again-fell-to-wanton-courses) Dies of poison, leaving Simplicissimus as his heir. ### [XI: Of the Marvellous Thanksgiving of a Patient, and of the Holy Thoughts Thereby Awakened in Simplicissimus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xi-of-the-marvellous-thanksgiving-of-a-patient-and-of-the-holy-thoughts-thereby-awakened-in-simplicissimus) Mentioned as a friend fate had robbed him of. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters/herzbruder - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters