The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Character

Jupiter

A madman who believes himself king of the gods, yet speaks the sanest counsel Simplicissimus ever receives about money and friends.

supporting

Also known as great Jupiter

First appearance: xvii how simplicissimus was present at a dance of witches

As a supporting figure in The Adventurous Simplicissimus, Jupiter is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A madman claiming to be the great god Jupiter, captured while wandering to judge humanity's sins.

In the storyHow the Great God Jupiter Was Captured and How He Revealed the Counsels of the GodsOpen this moment free

See Jupiter in How the Great God Jupiter Was Captured and How He Revealed the Counsels of the Gods Book page

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Jupiter attaches himself to Simplicissimus as a companion and self-appointed oracle, lucid for weeks at a time and then gone again into his divine delusion. His defining irony is that the man everyone calls mad is the one who tells the hero to give his blood-money away, warning that gold breeds envy, murder, and care—advice Simplicissimus's greed refuses. He matters because he voices the novel's recurring judgment on wealth and self-interest at exactly the moment the hero's fortune makes that judgment hardest to hear.

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See Jupiter in xvii how simplicissimus was present at a dance of witches

Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Jupiter sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Mythological and Historical Figures
Authority and Morality Figures
Noble and Legendary Soldiers

+1 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This moment is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of Simpl…

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Relationships

Ganymede
professional · ambivalent
Ganymede serves Jupiter, likely as a page or attendant in a mythological or allegorical… How this plays out →
Ganymede
professional · ambivalent
Ganymede serves Jupiter, likely as a page or attendant in a mythological or allegorical… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Jupiter in xvii how simplicissimus was present at a dance of witches

In the story

Jupiter appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

How the Great God Jupiter Was Captured and How He Revealed the Counsels of the Gods
A madman claiming to be the great god Jupiter, captured while wandering to judge humanity's sins.
IV: Of the German Hero That Shall Conquer the Whole World and Bring Peace to All Nations
Describes in detail the coming German hero, his magical sword, and the utopian peace he will establish, showing a vision of divine intervention in human affairs.
V: How He Shall Reconcile All Religions and Cast Them in the Same Mould
Reveals his plan for a hero to reconcile all Christian religions and enforce unity through a council of theologians, bells, hunger, and threats.
How the Embassy of the Fleas Fared with Jupiter
Angered by the slander, he recounts the embassy of the fleas and denies their petition for honorable execution.
How the Huntsman Again Secured Honour and Booty
Emerges from the wood after the skirmish, is bound onto a horse, and compares the fight to the Lapithae and centaurs.
How He Found the Devil in the Trough, and How Jump-I’-Th’-Field Got Fine Horses
Mentioned as the fool Simplicissimus now owns, having been given by the commandant.
Of Simplicissimus’ Strange Fancies and Castles in the Air, and How He Guarded His Treasure
Urges Simplicissimus to give away his money to gain friends and peace, speaking reasonably and showing affection.
How Simplicissimus Came to a Certain Town (Which He Nameth for Convenience Cologne) to Fetch His Treasure
Simplicissimus lodges with Jupiter, who is in his right mind and informs him of the merchant's flight.
Book V
A character encountered by Simplicissimus, representing authority or power.
How Simplicissimus Rode Courier and in the Likeness of Mercury Learned from Jove What His Design Was as Regards War and Peace
Rants about war and peace, refusing to grant peace due to humanity's greed and lack of repentance.

Chapter companion notes

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See Jupiter in xvii how simplicissimus was present at a dance of witches

See Jupiter in How the Great God Jupiter Was Captured and How He Revealed the Counsels of the Gods