# XXII: Who the Hermit Was by Whom Simplicissimus Was Cherished explained — The Adventurous Simplicissimus

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

## What happens

The pastor reveals to Simplicissimus that the hermit was the Governor's brother-in-law, a noble Scottish soldier who turned to a pious hermit's life after losing his lady and a battle. The pastor recounts how the hermit arrived after the Battle of Höchst, gave away his possessions, and built a hut in the woods. The Governor, upon learning the truth through the hermit's signet ring and letter, now offers Simplicissimus his choice of education, a trade, or being cherished as his own child.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Nobility

The hermit's noble birth and his rejection of worldly titles and estates highlight the tension between social rank and spiritual calling.

### Religion and Morality

The hermit's conversion to a pious life and the pastor's initial suspicion of 'Popery' reflect religious conflicts and moral choices.

### War and Destruction

The hermit's losses in battle and the pastor's flight after Nördlingen underscore the devastation of the Thirty Years' War.

## Character check-ins

### Simplicissimus

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

### The Hermit

Revealed to be the Governor's brother-in-law, a noble soldier turned hermit after the Battle of Höchst.

### The Governor

Discovers the hermit's identity through the signet ring and letter, and offers to care for Simplicissimus.

## Key lines

> the same from his youth up had never failed either in the bravery of an heroical soldier nor in that godliness and piety which became the holiest of men: which two virtues it is not usual to find united.

From his youth, he was both a brave soldier and a deeply pious man, a rare combination.

_Describes the hermit's dual virtues of martial courage and religious devotion._

> he hoped to exchange his earthly eminence for a better glory to come, for his noble spirit had a disgust at all temporal display, and all his thoughts and desires were set on that poor miserable life wherein thou didst find him in the forest

He traded his worldly status for a future heavenly reward, despising earthly pomp and embracing the humble forest life.

_Explains the hermit's motivation for becoming a hermit._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxii-who-the-hermit-was-by-whom-simplicissimus-was-cherished
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters