# On What Condition the Huntsman Was Set Free explained — The Adventurous Simplicissimus

> Chapter companion for The Adventurous Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen.

## What happens

The Huntsman is held captive by the Swedish commandant, who pressures him to switch sides. After refusing to break his oath to the emperor, the Huntsman negotiates a conditional release: he will not bear arms against the Swedes or Hessians for six months, and in return, the commandant grants him freedom and protection. The Huntsman eventually becomes so well-treated that he no longer wishes to return to Soest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

The commandant uses threats and false friendliness to pressure the Huntsman into switching sides.

### Folly and Wisdom

The Huntsman shows wisdom by refusing perjury and negotiating a conditional release rather than yielding to threats.

## Character check-ins

### The Huntsman of Soest

Captured and pressured to serve the Swedes; negotiates a conditional release.

### Daniel St. André

The Swedish commandant who detains the Huntsman and offers him a choice: join the Swedes or face imprisonment.

## Key lines

> I will sooner die than be perjured. Yet if the worshipful colonel will set me free and be pleased not to call upon me to do any warlike service, then will I promise him with heart, mouth, and hand to bear and use no arms against the Swedes and Hessians for the space of six months.

The Huntsman declares he would rather die than break his oath, but offers to swear not to fight against the Swedes or Hessians for six months if the colonel releases him without requiring military service.

_The Huntsman's clever compromise preserves his honor while securing his freedom._

## Links

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