Simplicissimus

Oliver

Oliver is a brutal antagonist who repeatedly torments and exploits Simplicissimus throughout their many encounters.

Monsieur Canard

Monsieur Canard is a companion and fellow traveler who shares adventures with Simplicissimus.

The Hermit

The Hermit is a father figure to Simplicissimus, raising and educating him in isolation.

Springinsfeld

Simplicissimus and Springinsfeld are companions, often journeying together through the war-torn landscape.

Oliver

Oliver is a brutal antagonist who repeatedly torments and exploits Simplicissimus throughout their many encounters.

The Hermit

The Hermit is a father figure to Simplicissimus, raising and educating him in isolation.

Frontispiece

The narrator describes his own rebirth through fire and his travels through the elements, indicating his central role in the story.

The Adventurous Simplicissimus

Introduced as the protagonist and narrator of the story, also known as Melchior Sternfels von Fuchshaim.

Book I

The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his childhood and the loss of his family home.

Treats of Simplicissimus’s Rustic Descent and of His Upbringing Answering Thereto

The narrator introduces himself and his rustic origins, describing his upbringing in the Spessart and his profound ignorance.

II: Of the First Step Towards That Dignity to Which Simplicissimus Attained, to Which Is Added the Praise of Shepherds and Other Excellent Precepts

Appointed shepherd by his father; shows innocence and ignorance by not knowing what a wolf looks like.

III: Treats of the Sufferings of a Faithful Bagpipe

The young narrator, tending sheep and playing his bagpipe, is captured by cuirassiers.

How Simplicissimus’s Palace Was Stormed, Plundered, and Ruinated, and in What Sorry Fashion the Soldiers Kept House There

Narrates the attack on his family farm, naively helping the soldiers and laughing at his father's torture.

How Simplicissimus Took French Leave, and How He Was Terrified by Dead Trees

Flees into the woods, is terrified by troopers and dead trees, and hides in a hollow tree.

VI: Is So Short and So Prayerful That Simplicissimus Thereupon Swoons Away

Emerges from hiding after hearing the hermit's prayers, mistakes him for a wolf, and faints from fear.

How Simplicissimus Was in a Poor Lodging Kindly Entreated

Awakens in terror, is soothed by the hermit, and reveals his complete ignorance of the world outside the forest.

How Simplicissimus by His Noble Discourse Proclaimed His Excellent Qualities

Shows complete ignorance of his own name, parents, and basic religious knowledge, but demonstrates a simple, literal understanding of the world.

How Simplicissimus Was Changed from a Wild Beast Into a Christian

The young protagonist, initially a wild and ignorant boy, is taken in by the hermit and begins his Christian education. He is named Simplicissimus for his pure simplicity.

X: In What Manner He Learned to Read and Write in the Wild Woods

Curious and naive, mistakes the woodcut figures for real people and tries to intervene in the scene; eagerly learns to read and write from the hermit.

XI: Discourseth of Foods, Household Stuff, and Other Necessary Concerns, Which Folk Must Have in This Earthly Life

Lives with the hermit for two years, learning to endure hardship and receiving religious instruction, yet remains a simple lad.

XII: Tells of a Notable Fine Way, to Die Happy and to Have Oneself Buried at Small Cost

Grieves deeply as the hermit dies and buries him alone.

XIII: How Simplicissimus Was Driven About Like a Straw in a Whirlpool

Struggles with grief and temptation, seeks counsel, witnesses violence, and resolves to remain in the wilderness.

XIV: A Quaint Comedia of Five Peasants

Narrates the chapter; adopts hermit's hair-shirt and chain; guides musketeers out of the wood; witnesses the brutal punishment of peasants.

How Simplicissimus Was Plundered, and How He Dreamed of the Peasants and How They Fared in Times of War

Returns to find his home plundered, prays in desperation, and dreams of a symbolic tree representing the exploitation of peasants by soldiers.

XVII: How It Happens That, Whereas in War the Nobles Are Ever Put Before the Common Men, Yet Many Do Attain from Despised Rank to High Honours

Narrator of the chapter, presenting the debate between the sergeant and the nobleman.

How Simplicissimus Took His First Step Into the World and That with Evil Luck

Awakens from a dream, finds the hermit's letter, and begins his journey into the world.

XIX: How Simplicissimus Was Captured by Hanau and Hanau by Simplicissimus

Captured at Hanau; described in his wild, patched hermit's garb and chains; confused by the officer's appearance.

XX: In What Wise He Was Saved from Prison and Torture

Brought before the Governor, interrogated, suspected as a spy, imprisoned and threatened with torture; laments his foolishness in leaving the hermit.

How Treacherous Dame Fortune Cast on Simplicissimus a Friendly Glance

The protagonist undergoes a physical transformation from a wild, dirty state to a well-dressed young man, enjoying his first taste of luxury and comfort.

XXII: Who the Hermit Was by Whom Simplicissimus Was Cherished

Learns the true identity of the hermit and is offered a future by the Governor.

How Simplicissimus Became a Page: And Likewise, How the Hermit’s Wife Was Lost

Becomes the Governor's page, praised for his faithfulness and resemblance to the hermit's wife.

XXIV: How Simplicissimus Blamed the World and Saw Many Idols Therein

Narrates his observations of worldly vice and idolatry, contrasting his own innocent upbringing with the hypocrisy he encounters.

How Simplicissimus Found the World All Strange and the World Found Him Strange Likewise

The narrator and observer, shocked by the world's wickedness and struggling to reconcile it with his hermit-taught Christian ideals.

XXVI: A New and Strange Way for Men to Wish One Another Luck and to Welcome One Another

Questions the pastor about the morality of the people, is shocked by the soldiers' greeting, and reflects on his own simplicity.

XXVII: How Simplicissimus Discoursed with the Secretary, and How He Found a False Friend

Enjoys the governor's favor, debates with the secretary about titles and the inkhorn, and naively trusts the jealous page.

How Simplicissimus Got Two Eyes Out of One Calf’s-Head

As a table-server, he eats both eyes of a calf's-head out of pure appetite and simplicity, turning a potential offense into a celebrated trick.

XXIX: How a Man Step by Step May Attain Unto Intoxication and Finally Unawares Become Blind Drunk

Narrates the banquet scene, observing the guests' descent into drunkenness and questioning his pastor about the phenomenon.

XXX: Still Treats of Naught but of Drinking Bouts, and How to Be Rid of Parsons Thereat

Narrates the scene as an observer, waiting on the guests and noting the absurdity of their behavior.

How the Lord Governor Shot a Very Foul Fox

Assists the Governor during his illness, follows orders naively, and is mocked by the maids.

How Simplicissimus Spoiled the Dance

Observes the dance with terror, believing the dancers mad; clings to a noble lady in fear.

Book II

The protagonist, now a young man, navigates the dangers of war and society.

How a Goose and a Gander Were Mated

Narrator and protagonist, confined in the goose-pen, observes and then flees the scene.

Concerning the Merits and Virtues of a Good Bath at the Proper Season

Narrates his escape from the goose-pen and his subsequent reflections on the world's folly.

III: How the Other Page Received Payment for His Teaching, and How Simplicissimus Was Chosen to Be a Fool

Simplicissimus is the central figure, whose naive actions and revelations amuse the Governor and guests, leading to his selection as a fool.

Concerning the Man That Pays the Money, and of the Military Service That Simplicissimus Did for the Crown of Sweden: Through Which Service He Got the Name of Simplicissimus

Observes the Governor's hypocrisy, learns to drum in an hour, and is given the name 'Simplicissimus' for the muster-roll.

V: How Simplicissimus Was by Four Devils Brought Into Hell and There Treated with Spanish Wine

Warned by the pastor, he pretends to believe the devils' tricks and endures torment in the cellar.

How Simplicissimus Went Up to Heaven and Was Turned Into a Calf

Awakens after being drugged, decides to play the fool, and is dressed in a calfskin costume with ass's ears.

VII: How Simplicissimus Accommodated Himself to the State of a Brute Beast

Simplicissimus continues his role as a fool, playing the calf and tricking the Governor and others.

VIII: Discourseth of the Wondrous Memory of Some and the Forgetfulness of Others

Visits the pastor to confess his deception and receives advice and medicine.

IX: Crooked Praise of a Proper Lady

Acts as the lord's fool, delivering a crooked praise of a lady.

X: Discourseth of Naught but Heroes and Famous Artists

Acts as a fool, rebuking vanities and arguing that nobility should be earned by personal virtue, not inherited.

XI: Of the Toilsome and Dangerous Office of a Governor

Delivers a lengthy critique of the governor's office, arguing that high rank brings misery and moral peril.

Of the Sense and Knowledge of Certain Unreasoning Animals

Disguised as a calf, he delivers a philosophical discourse on the intelligence of animals.

XIII: Of Various Matters Which Whoever Will Know Must Either Read Them or Have Them Read to Him

Still believes he is a calf; prays devoutly as taught by the hermit; speaks truth shamelessly.

How Simplicissimus Led the Life of a Nobleman, and How the Croats Robbed Him of This When They Stole Himself

Enjoys the Governor's favor, learns music, and is captured by Croats while playing on the ice.

Of Simplicissimus’ Life with the Troopers, and What He Saw and Learned Among the Croats

Narrates his miserable life with the Croats, enduring beatings and hard labor before finally escaping.

How Simplicissimus Found Goodly Spoils, and How He Became a Thievish Brother of the Woods

Captured by highwaymen, uses his appearance to frighten them, steals their belongings, and becomes a thievish hermit in the woods.

How Simplicissimus Was Present at a Dance of Witches

Narrator and protagonist; wanders in fear, steals provisions, and is accidentally transported to a witches' dance.

XVIII: Doth Prove That No Man Can Lay to Simplicissimus’ Charge That He Doth Draw the Long Bow

Narrator and protagonist, defending the truth of his earlier account by citing historical and legendary precedents for magical flight.

How Simplicissimus Became a Fool Again as He Had Been a Fool Before

Wakes in the field, is taken to camp, plays the fool, and becomes a page to a colonel.

XX: Is Pretty Long, and Treats of Playing with Dice and What Hangs Thereby

Reveals his true intelligence to the governor and recounts his life story; is warned of future imprisonment.

XXI: Is Somewhat Shorter and More Entertaining Than the Last

Swears eternal brotherhood with young Ulrich Herzbruder; continues to play the fool but with wit; devises foolish quips and fantasies.

XXII: A Rascally Trick to Step Into Another Man’s Shoes

Simplicissimus is present at the christening feast and witnesses the magic trick, noting his own embarrassment when his tight Croat breeches are filled with puppies.

XXIII: How Ulrich Herzbruder Sold Himself for a Hundred Ducats

Simplicissimus provides a hundred ducats from his hidden stash to help Herzbruder buy his freedom, refusing repayment.

How Two Prophecies Were Fulfilled at Once

Nurses old Herzbruder and is warned to beware of water.

XXV: How Simplicissimus Was Transformed from a Boy Into a Girl and Fell Into Divers Adventures of Love

Disguises himself as a woman to escape his fool's life, then becomes entangled in a love triangle with a captain, his wife, and their servant.

XXVI: How He Was Imprisoned for a Traitor and Enchanter

Disguised as a woman, he is discovered, arrested, and interrogated as a suspected spy and witch.

XXVII: How the Provost Fared in the Battle of Wittstock

Interrogated and accused of treachery after his ducats are found; freed by Herzbruder during the battle.

XXVIII: Of a Great Battle Wherein the Conqueror Is Captured in the Hour of Triumph

Narrates his capture and service as a horseboy and lutenist; tormented by lice, he is taken prisoner while fighting them.

XXIX: How a Notably Pious Soldier Fared in Paradise, and How the Huntsman Filled His Place

Serves a miserly dragoon, enjoys life at Paradise convent, learns hunting and fencing, and inherits his master's position.

XXXI: How the Devil Stole the Parson’s Bacon and How the Huntsman Caught Himself

The Huntsman is Simplicissimus himself, now a seasoned soldier and trickster, reflecting on his past exploits.

Book III

The protagonist, continues his journey through the war, experiencing capture, servitude, and various adventures.

IV: Of the German Hero That Shall Conquer the Whole World and Bring Peace to All Nations

Questions Jupiter about the feasibility of the hero's mission, expressing skepticism about war and the suffering of innocents.

V: How He Shall Reconcile All Religions and Cast Them in the Same Mould

Present as 'Ganymede,' he listens to Jupiter's scheme and suppresses his laughter to avoid offending the god.

How the Embassy of the Fleas Fared with Jupiter

Disguised as a fool, he provokes Jupiter by slandering the gods to test his madness.

How He Found the Devil in the Trough, and How Jump-I’-Th’-Field Got Fine Horses

Narrates his good fortune, leads a storming party, mistakes a black man for the devil, and later reconciles with the pastor.

IX: Of an Unequal Combat in Which the Weakest Wins the Day and the Conqueror Is Captured

Narrator and protagonist; prideful and reckless, he instigates and wins a duel but is arrested.

How the Master-General of Ordnance Granted the Huntsman His Life and Held Out Hopes to Him of Great Things

Narrates the chapter as the Huntsman, recounting his own clever trick and the events leading to his pardon.

XI: Contains All Manner of Matters of Little Import and Great Imagination

Returns to Soest, grows haughty, invents a coat of arms, and courts ladies despite his inexperience.

Of Simplicissimus’ Strange Fancies and Castles in the Air, and How He Guarded His Treasure

Tormented by greed and ambition, he fantasizes about becoming a nobleman or living peacefully, but cannot part with his treasure.

XIV: How the Huntsman Was Captured by the Enemy

Reflects on his pride and resolves to act humbly; captured and interrogated, he responds with clever retorts.

How Simplicissimus Became a Nobleman

Simplicissimus is set free and honored by the commandant; he decides to stay for six months, gives away his horses, and earns a reputation for liberality and faithfulness.

XIX: By What Means the Huntsman Made Friends, and How He Was Moved by a Sermon

Implied as the author of 'Joseph the Chaste,' which the priest reads and critiques; the Huntsman is Simplicissimus in disguise.

XX: How He Gave the Faithful Priest Other Fish to Fry, to Cause Him to Forget His Own Hoggish Life

The narrator and protagonist, who cunningly deceives the pastor to avoid being admonished for his lecherous behavior.

How Simplicissimus All Unawares Was Made a Married Man

Narrator and protagonist; feigns love for the colonel's daughter, is caught in bed with her, and forced into marriage.

How Simplicissimus Held His Wedding-Feast and How He Purposed to Begin His New Life

The protagonist who, after being tricked into marriage, cleverly orchestrates a wedding feast to reconcile with his father-in-law and secure his future as a soldier.

How Simplicissimus Came to a Certain Town (Which He Nameth for Convenience Cologne) to Fetch His Treasure

Travels to Cologne to retrieve his treasure, learns of the merchant's bankruptcy, and stays with a notary, reflecting on human vices.

How the Huntsman Caught a Hare in the Middle of a Town

Implied as the narrator (the Huntsman) reflecting on his past experiences as a boarder.

Book IV

The protagonist and narrator, continuing his journey through the war-torn world.

How and for What Reason the Huntsman Was Jockeyed Away Into France

Implied as the narrator (the Huntsman); reflects on his newly wedded wife, promised ensigncy, and treasure at Cologne.

II: How Simplicissimus Found a Better Host Than Before

Adopts a false noble identity and writes letters to recover his property; tutors Canard's sons and debates the honor of physicians versus nobles.

III: How He Became a Stage Player and Got Himself a New Name

Performs as Orpheus in a French comedy, gains the nickname 'Beau Alman,' and becomes known to high personages, but eventually tires of his role as a stage player.

IV: How Simplicissimus Departed Secretly and How He Believed He Had the Neapolitan Disease

Departs secretly from Paris, falls ill, believes he has the French disease, and loses his money.

How Simplicissimus Pondered on His Past Life, and How with the Water Up to His Mouth He Learned to Swim

Disfigured by smallpox, penniless, and reflecting on his past mistakes.

VI: How He Became a Vagabond Quack and a Cheat

Becomes a vagabond quack, selling fake remedies and using tricks to deceive peasants.

VII: How the Doctor Was Fitted with a Musket Under Captain Curmudgeon

Narrates his capture and forced enlistment as a musketeer, his struggles with hunger, and his eventual success in catching hares and joining plundering parties.

VIII: How Simplicissimus Endured a Cheerless Bath in the Rhine

Nearly drowns in the Rhine during a foraging mission, makes vows to reform but immediately breaks them by lying to his rescuers.

IX: Wherefore Clergymen Should Never Eat Hares That Have Been Taken in a Snare

Narrates his descent into wickedness as a musketeer, his refusal to confess, and his cynical denial of a hare to the chaplain.

X: How Simplicissimus Was All Unexpectedly Quit of His Musket

The protagonist, a lousy musketeer, is rescued by his friend Herzbruder and freed from the fortress.

Discourses of the Order of the Marauder Brothers

Joins the Merode-brothers after losing his horse and servant; later captured by Weimar troops.

XII: Of a Desperate Fight for Life in Which Each Party Doth Yet Escape Death

Narrates his hardships during the siege of Breisach, his longing for Westphalian food, and his desperate fight with a rogue on the road.

XIII: How Oliver Conceived That He Could Excuse His Brigand’s Tricks

Meets Oliver again and debates the morality of robbery, holding to natural and divine law.

XIV: How Oliver Explained Herzbruder’s Prophecy to His Own Profit, and So Came to Love His Worst Enemy

Simplicissimus is wary of Oliver's sudden generosity and feigns drunkenness to test his intentions, while accepting a new suit of clothes.

XV: How Simplicissimus Thought More Piously When He Went A-Plundering Than Did Oliver When He Went to Church

Struggles with his conscience as he goes plundering in God's name, reflecting on his moral decline since leaving the hermit.

How He Studied at Liège, and How He There Demeaned Himself

Narrates his dissolute student life in Liège, including debauchery, theft, and arrest.

How Simplicissimus Fulfilled Herzbruder’s Prophecy to Oliver Before Yet Either Knew the Other

Listens to Oliver's confession, struggling to contain his rage and desire for revenge.

XX: How It Doth Fare with a Man on Whom Evil Fortune Doth Rain Cats and Dogs

Narrator who reflects on Oliver's story and his own past as the Huntsman of Soest.

A Brief Example of That Trade Which Oliver Followed, Wherein He Was a Master and Simplicissimus Should Be a Prentice

Reluctant accomplice in Oliver's ambush; spares the major's family; tormented by conscience and fear of punishment.

How Oliver Bit the Dust and Took Six Good Men with Him

Helps Oliver repack his gold, fights alongside him against the musketeers, and after Oliver's death takes his gold and weapons.

How Simplicissimus Became a Rich Man and Herzbruder Fell Into Great Misery

Narrates his escape to Villingen, his interrogation by the commandant, and his reunion with the impoverished Herzbruder.

XXIV: Of the Manner in Which Herzbruder Fell Into Such Evil Plight

Reunites with Herzbruder, provides financial and medical aid, and shares news of Oliver's death.

Book V

The protagonist and narrator, reflecting on his experiences.

How Simplicissimus Turned Palmer and Went on a Pilgrimage with Herzbruder

Eager to accompany Herzbruder; lies about his penitence and boils the peas to ease his feet; feels deep guilt and remorse when confronted.

II: How Simplicissimus, Being Terrified of the Devil, Was Converted

Terrified by the devil's accusations during an exorcism, he undergoes a conversion to Catholicism, though his piety soon wanes.

III: How the Two Friends Spent the Winter

Reveals his wealth to Herzbruder and insists on sharing Oliver's money. Writes to his wife in Lippstadt but receives no reply, then decides to go to Vienna with Herzbruder.

IV: In What Manner Simplicissimus and Herzbruder Went to the Wars Again and Returned Thence

Returns to Vienna with Herzbruder, is promoted as the Huntsman of Soest, accepts a captaincy of a weak company, is wounded in the leg in battle, and becomes heir to Herzbruder's property.

How Simplicissimus Rode Courier and in the Likeness of Mercury Learned from Jove What His Design Was as Regards War and Peace

Disguises himself as a post-rider and later as a beggar; learns of his wife's death and meets his son.

VI: A Story of a Trick That Simplicissimus Played at the Spa

Returns to find Herzbruder dying, indulges in wantonness at the spa, and plays a trick on the devil-driver.

How Herzbruder Died and How Simplicissimus Again Fell to Wanton Courses

Grieves Herzbruder's death, then falls into wanton ways and pursues a peasant girl.

How Simplicissimus Found His Second Marriage Turn Out, and How He Met with His Dad and Learned Who His Parents Had Been

Discovers his true parentage and noble birth through his foster father.

IX: In What Manner the Pains of Childbirth Came Upon Him, and How He Became a Widower

Travels to Spessart to obtain proof of noble birth, is robbed, and returns to find his wife's infidelity and her death.

X: Relation of Certain Peasants Concerning the Wonderful Mummelsee

Narrator and protagonist; now free and managing his estate through his foster-parents, he takes solitary walks and listens to peasant tales about the Mummelsee.

XI: Of the Marvellous Thanksgiving of a Patient, and of the Holy Thoughts Thereby Awakened in Simplicissimus

Reflects on his past transformations and resolves to pursue a godly life after hearing a patient's thanksgiving.

How Simplicissimus Journeyed with the Sylphs to the Centre of the Earth

Driven by curiosity, he insists on visiting the Mummelsee and throws stones into the lake, provoking the sylphs and descending with them.

XIII to XVI

Engages in philosophical and satirical conversation with the Mummelsee prince.

How Simplicissimus Returned from the Middle of the Earth, and of His Strange Fancies, His Aircastles, His Calculations; and How He Reckoned Without His Host

Returns from the underworld, fantasizes about wealth from a magical spring, and loses his way in the forest.

How Simplicissimus Wasted His Spring in the Wrong Place

Tells fortunes to peasants, discovers the mineral spring, and argues with the peasants before departing.

XX: Treats of a Trifling Promenade from the Black Forest to Moscow in Russia

Narrator and protagonist; leaves his farm to serve again as a soldier, is deceived by the colonel, and ends up stranded in Moscow after refusing to convert.

How Simplicissimus Further Fared in Moscow

Narrator and protagonist; secretly watched, isolated, and pressured to convert; agrees to produce saltpetre and gunpowder; leads a cavalry charge against Tartars while wearing borrowed princely attire.

By What a Short and Merry Road He Came Home to His Dad

Narrates his adventures after healing, including capture by Tartars, enslavement, and eventual return home.

XXIII: Is Very Short and Concerneth Simplicissimus Alone

Engages in intense self-reflection, recounting his moral decline and disillusionment with worldly life.

Why and in What Fashion Simplicissimus Left the World Again

Decides to leave the world and become a hermit again after pondering Quevara's reflections on vanity.

Appendix A

The subject of the sequel, found and left on an island by Jean Cornelissen.

Continuation

Survives shipwreck, forgives the carpenter's betrayal, encounters the ghost of his comrade, and dedicates himself to spiritual and physical labor on the island.

XIX: How Simplicissimus and a Carpenter Escaped from a Shipwreck with Their Lives and Were Thereafter Provided with a Land of Their Own

Survives the shipwreck and lands on a desert island with the carpenter.

XX: How They Hired a Fair Cookmaid and by God’s Help Were Rid of Her Again

Narrator and older man (over forty) on the island; he prays gratefully for the chest's provisions and later unknowingly foils the murder plot by saying grace.

XXI: How They Thereafter Kept House Together and How They Set to Work

Offers forgiveness and guidance to Simon Meron, suggesting the construction of crosses as penance.

XXII: Further Sequel of the Above Story, and How Simon Meron Left the Island and This Life, and How Simplicissimus Remained the Sole Lord of the Island

Becomes the sole lord of the island after Simon Meron's death, resumes a hermit's life, and reflects on God's providence.

XXIII: In Which the Hermit Concludes His Story and Therewith Ends These His Six Books

The hermit, now alone, reflects on his solitude and prepares for spiritual battle, but instead encounters the ghost of his deceased comrade.

Appendix B

Living as a hermit on the island, he confronts the intruders, cures the mad sailors, and refuses to return to Europe.

Continuatio, XIII

Demonstrates his knowledge of special arts to his host, proving the natural basis of his catalogue of tricks.