This old man is a hermit, who, having left human beings, lives alone amongst the animals and birds of the forest. He sings and praises God, and has a ‘holy hut’. He is the first person who Zarathustra meets after beginning his descent from the mountains, and the old man recognizes him. After a short conversation, Zarathustra leaves, puzzled by the fact that the old man is not yet aware that God is dead.