# The Hermit — The Adventurous Simplicissimus character guide > The Hermit in The Adventurous Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen. **Role:** supporting **First appearance:** 0011-vii-how-simplicissimus-was-in-a-poor-lodging-kindly-entreated ## Snapshot A pious recluse in the Spessart woods who takes in the orphaned boy, teaches him letters and prayer, and dies leaving him a name. ## Who they are The Hermit is Simplicissimus's first real teacher and the source of the name Melchior, pulling the feral child out of the forest and into a world of scripture, discipline, and a faith the war will spend the rest of the book testing. His defining tension is between the peace he has chosen and the violence he cannot keep out—he shelters the boy precisely because the world outside has become unbearable. His death, early and formative, gives Simplicissimus both a moral inheritance and a wound, and sets the spiritual question the novel keeps circling: whether a soul can stay good in a land at war. ## Relationships ### [Ganymede](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters/ganymede) _social_ Ganymede and the Hermit have a social acquaintance, possibly through religious or hermitic circles. ### [Simplicissimus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters/simplicissimus) _family_ The Hermit is a father figure to Simplicissimus, raising and educating him in isolation. ### [Ganymede](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters/ganymede) _social_ Ganymede and the Hermit have a social acquaintance, possibly through religious or hermitic circles. ### [Simplicissimus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters/simplicissimus) _family_ The Hermit is a father figure to Simplicissimus, raising and educating him in isolation. ## In the story ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/book-i) The pious man who rescues Simplicissimus and becomes his spiritual teacher. ### [How Simplicissimus’s Palace Was Stormed, Plundered, and Ruinated, and in What Sorry Fashion the Soldiers Kept House There](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/iv-how-simplicissimus-s-palace-was-stormed-plundered-and-ruinated-and-in-what-sorry-fashion-the-soldiers-kept-house-there) Not present in this chapter, but the narrator reflects that the destruction led him to later meet the hermit and learn about God. ### [VI: Is So Short and So Prayerful That Simplicissimus Thereupon Swoons Away](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/vi-is-so-short-and-so-prayerful-that-simplicissimus-thereupon-swoons-away) First appearance: a gaunt, ragged man with a crucifix, praying fervently; initially startled by Simplicissimus's bagpipe. ### [How Simplicissimus Was in a Poor Lodging Kindly Entreated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/vii-how-simplicissimus-was-in-a-poor-lodging-kindly-entreated) Cares for Simplicissimus, sings a devotional song, and resolves to teach the boy after discovering his profound innocence. ### [How Simplicissimus by His Noble Discourse Proclaimed His Excellent Qualities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/viii-how-simplicissimus-by-his-noble-discourse-proclaimed-his-excellent-qualities) Patiently questions Simplicissimus and is moved by the boy's simplicity and ignorance, resolving to teach him and take him to other people. ### [How Simplicissimus Was Changed from a Wild Beast Into a Christian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/ix-how-simplicissimus-was-changed-from-a-wild-beast-into-a-christian) The pious hermit who feeds and instructs Simplicissimus, teaching him the Christian religion from the fall of Lucifer to the Last Judgment. He builds a hut for the boy and names him Simplicissimus. ### [X: In What Manner He Learned to Read and Write in the Wild Woods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/x-in-what-manner-he-learned-to-read-and-write-in-the-wild-woods) Patiently teaches Simplicissimus to read and write, beginning with the alphabet on birch-bark, despite his own limited skill in writing. ### [XI: Discourseth of Foods, Household Stuff, and Other Necessary Concerns, Which Folk Must Have in This Earthly Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xi-discourseth-of-foods-household-stuff-and-other-necessary-concerns-which-folk-must-have-in-this-earthly-life) Teaches Simplicissimus through example and instruction, emphasizing prayer and work as sufficient for a Christian; dies after two years. ### [XII: Tells of a Notable Fine Way, to Die Happy and to Have Oneself Buried at Small Cost](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xii-tells-of-a-notable-fine-way-to-die-happy-and-to-have-oneself-buried-at-small-cost) Gives final lessons, digs his own grave, and dies peacefully. ### [XIII: How Simplicissimus Was Driven About Like a Straw in a Whirlpool](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiii-how-simplicissimus-was-driven-about-like-a-straw-in-a-whirlpool) Recently deceased; his example and teachings still influence Simplicissimus. ### [XIV: A Quaint Comedia of Five Peasants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiv-a-quaint-comedia-of-five-peasants) Referenced indirectly through Simplicissimus wearing his hair-shirt and chain, and through the hut and books left behind. ### [How Simplicissimus Took His First Step Into the World and That with Evil Luck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xviii-how-simplicissimus-took-his-first-step-into-the-world-and-that-with-evil-luck) His letter guides Simplicissimus to leave the forest and seek the pastor. ### [XIX: How Simplicissimus Was Captured by Hanau and Hanau by Simplicissimus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xix-how-simplicissimus-was-captured-by-hanau-and-hanau-by-simplicissimus) His birch-bark prayer book and farewell letter are taken from Simplicissimus by the officer. ### [XX: In What Wise He Was Saved from Prison and Torture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xx-in-what-wise-he-was-saved-from-prison-and-torture) His letter falls out of Simplicissimus's book, increasing the Governor's suspicion; Simplicissimus reflects on his teachings. ### [XXII: Who the Hermit Was by Whom Simplicissimus Was Cherished](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxii-who-the-hermit-was-by-whom-simplicissimus-was-cherished) Revealed to be the Governor's brother-in-law, a noble soldier turned hermit after the Battle of Höchst. ### [How Simplicissimus Became a Page: And Likewise, How the Hermit’s Wife Was Lost](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiii-how-simplicissimus-became-a-page-and-likewise-how-the-hermit-s-wife-was-lost) Revealed to be the Governor's brother-in-law; his wife was lost during the war. ### [XXIV: How Simplicissimus Blamed the World and Saw Many Idols Therein](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiv-how-simplicissimus-blamed-the-world-and-saw-many-idols-therein) Referenced as the one who taught Simplicissimus the way to eternal life and the seriousness of God's commandments. ### [How Simplicissimus Found the World All Strange and the World Found Him Strange Likewise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxv-how-simplicissimus-found-the-world-all-strange-and-the-world-found-him-strange-likewise) Referenced as the ideal of piety and simplicity that Simplicissimus wishes all men had been raised with. ### [XXVII: How Simplicissimus Discoursed with the Secretary, and How He Found a False Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxvii-how-simplicissimus-discoursed-with-the-secretary-and-how-he-found-a-false-friend) Mentioned as the husband of the governor's sister, to whom Simplicissimus bears resemblance. ### [XXIX: How a Man Step by Step May Attain Unto Intoxication and Finally Unawares Become Blind Drunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxix-how-a-man-step-by-step-may-attain-unto-intoxication-and-finally-unawares-become-blind-drunk) Mentioned indirectly as the pastor who accompanies Simplicissimus and explains the effects of wine. ### [XXX: Still Treats of Naught but of Drinking Bouts, and How to Be Rid of Parsons Thereat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxx-still-treats-of-naught-but-of-drinking-bouts-and-how-to-be-rid-of-parsons-thereat) Not present in this chapter; included erroneously—removed. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/book-ii) Though deceased, his teachings continue to influence Simplicissimus's actions and thoughts. ### [Concerning the Merits and Virtues of a Good Bath at the Proper Season](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/ii-concerning-the-merits-and-virtues-of-a-good-bath-at-the-proper-season) Simplicissimus wistfully recalls the hermit's simple life and wishes to return to it. ### [III: How the Other Page Received Payment for His Teaching, and How Simplicissimus Was Chosen to Be a Fool](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/iii-how-the-other-page-received-payment-for-his-teaching-and-how-simplicissimus-was-chosen-to-be-a-fool) The pastor, who acts as a mediator, explains Simplicissimus's simplicity to the Governor and guests, securing his forgiveness. ### [V: How Simplicissimus Was by Four Devils Brought Into Hell and There Treated with Spanish Wine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/v-how-simplicissimus-was-by-four-devils-brought-into-hell-and-there-treated-with-spanish-wine) Mentioned by the pastor as the reason for his sympathy toward Simplicissimus. ### [VIII: Discourseth of the Wondrous Memory of Some and the Forgetfulness of Others](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/viii-discourseth-of-the-wondrous-memory-of-some-and-the-forgetfulness-of-others) Referenced by Simplicissimus as the one who taught him from books. ### [XIII: Of Various Matters Which Whoever Will Know Must Either Read Them or Have Them Read to Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiii-of-various-matters-which-whoever-will-know-must-either-read-them-or-have-them-read-to-him) Mentioned as having taught Simplicissimus his prayer and simple ways. ### [How Simplicissimus Led the Life of a Nobleman, and How the Croats Robbed Him of This When They Stole Himself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiv-how-simplicissimus-led-the-life-of-a-nobleman-and-how-the-croats-robbed-him-of-this-when-they-stole-himself) Mentioned indirectly as the pastor who opposes the Governor's plan and devises a scheme to restore Simplicissimus. ### [XXXI: How the Devil Stole the Parson’s Bacon and How the Huntsman Caught Himself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxxi-how-the-devil-stole-the-parson-s-bacon-and-how-the-huntsman-caught-himself) Not directly present, but the Huntsman's early training in climbing hollow trees (learned from the hermit) enables his chimney descent. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/book-iii) The hermit who raised Simplicissimus, whose death and final lessons are a pivotal moment in the chapter. ### [How the Huntsman Went Too Far to the Left Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/i-how-the-huntsman-went-too-far-to-the-left-hand) Mentioned as the one whose teachings the Huntsman has forgotten. ### [How Simplicissimus Pondered on His Past Life, and How with the Water Up to His Mouth He Learned to Swim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/v-how-simplicissimus-pondered-on-his-past-life-and-how-with-the-water-up-to-his-mouth-he-learned-to-swim) Mentioned as a past figure who dealt faithfully with Simplicissimus but is no longer available. ### [IX: Wherefore Clergymen Should Never Eat Hares That Have Been Taken in a Snare](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/ix-wherefore-clergymen-should-never-eat-hares-that-have-been-taken-in-a-snare) Referenced as the pious hermit who raised Simplicissimus, contrasting with his current godless state. ### [How Simplicissimus Found His Second Marriage Turn Out, and How He Met with His Dad and Learned Who His Parents Had Been](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/viii-how-simplicissimus-found-his-second-marriage-turn-out-and-how-he-met-with-his-dad-and-learned-who-his-parents-had-been) Identified as Captain Sternfels of Fuchsheim, Simplicissimus's true father. ### [IX: In What Manner the Pains of Childbirth Came Upon Him, and How He Became a Widower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/ix-in-what-manner-the-pains-of-childbirth-came-upon-him-and-how-he-became-a-widower) Referenced as the late father of Simplicissimus, whose death and Simplicissimus's stay with him are documented. ### [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) Referred to as his dear departed father, whose piety he seeks to emulate. ### [How Simplicissimus Journeyed with the Sylphs to the Centre of the Earth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xii-how-simplicissimus-journeyed-with-the-sylphs-to-the-centre-of-the-earth) Referred to as Simplicissimus's foster-father; he warns against the journey and later flees in terror after witnessing the events. ### [How Simplicissimus Further Fared in Moscow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxi-how-simplicissimus-further-fared-in-moscow) Not directly present, but Simplicissimus's refusal to change religion reflects the hermit's earlier moral and religious teachings. ### [Why and in What Fashion Simplicissimus Left the World Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiv-why-and-in-what-fashion-simplicissimus-left-the-world-again) Referenced as Simplicissimus's father of blessed memory, who persevered as a hermit to the end. ### [XXIII: In Which the Hermit Concludes His Story and Therewith Ends These His Six Books](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiii-in-which-the-hermit-concludes-his-story-and-therewith-ends-these-his-six-books) The hermit is the narrator of this chapter, recounting his life after his comrade's death, his haunting, and his turn to devout practices. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/endnotes) Referenced in an endnote as 'the hermit'. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters/the_hermit - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters