Even a fool with half an eye could see that you will never triumph against good if you are evil.—Simeon, to Greypatch
Brother Simeon, also known as Blind Simeon, was a Redwall Abbey healer and an herbalist. He was the blind mouse friend of Abbot Bernard, Abbot Saxtus, and Mother Mellus. Simeon could sense weather changes, as well as the presence of danger.
Blind Simeon could often be found on the battlements of Redwall Abbey and near the gates where he could detect approaching newcomers. While he was without sight, Simeon used his other senses to a remarkable level and had very acute hearing and keen olfactories. He also had a sharp mind and great powers of deduction, which allowed him to determine what others did not realize until much later.
A good judge of character, Simeon knew that Storm Gullwhacker had a greatly troubled spirit, correctly predicted that the frivolous Tarquin Longleap Woodsorrel would become a great addition to Redwall, and felt immediately that Slipp and Blaggut would bring trouble to the Abbey.
Simeon's great wit and wisdom made him a cherished and treasured friend. The blind mouse often reached out to other creatures by touching their paws, their cheeks, or their heart. Although usually soft-spoken and serene, Brother Simeon occasionally acted as the strong and respected voice of reason.
The Abbey herbalist was particularly beloved by the Abbey's Dibbuns. He often was more aware and understanding of their little games and pranks than other creatures and knew how to speak to them. He occasionally was a forgiving accomplice or witness of their schemes and sometimes protected them without their knowledge.
Simeon's long list of talents also included culinary abilities. Together with Sister Sage, the Brother could prepare pies, breads, pasties, and his specialty, seedcake.
Brother Simeon and The Spirit of Martin[]
Brother Simeon was very much in touch with the Spirit of Martin the Warrior and was the first to notice that new creatures would be inspired by Martin's example and guidance, especially in times of crisis. This special connection with the legendary hero allowed Simeon to give Dandin a special gift, urge the completion of the Bell Tower for the Joseph Bell, and to be aware of situations occurring far beyond his normal grasp.
Brother Simeon was visited, in a state between wakefulness and sleep, by Martin's spirit. The spirit informed Simeon that Mariel would require Dandin's assistance in her quest, and guided the blind mouse to his tomb beneath the Abbey where he was given the Sword of Martin. Brother Simeon laid the sword next to Dandin and went back to sleep.
Biography[]
As an expert herbalist Brother Simeon was regularly involved in the collection of herbs and preparation of poultices and medicinal potions. A gifted healer, he worked at various times in the Infirmary with Sister Sage and Sister Serena. Using all their skills, they saved the life of Honorable Rosemary when she returned terribly injured from the battle against Greypatch to free the oar slaves. Brother Simeon also helped Mariel Gullwhacker heal in spirit and in mind.
Simeon met Mariel when she was still unaware of her real identity, and under the shock of a traumatic experience. He prepared a special hypnotic concoction to relax her and help her reveal her true story. By speaking to her as a friend, Simeon was able to gain the trust of the mouse maid in her sleep and help her discover her identity.
When Mariel decided to journey to Terramort Isle in the hopes of finding her father, Brother Hubert realized he saw the name mentioned among his papers. Simeon helped Abbot Bernard and Mother Mellus clean up Hubert's office in order to find the scrolls of Fieldroan the Traveler. These scrolls provided a map to Terramort described in riddles.
Simeon's sense of danger warned him early on of the approach of Greypatch and his crew. Although a creature of peace, Simeon knew how to prepare Redwall for the siege set by the sea rats and helped Abbot Bernard give the Dibbuns specific instructions to ensure their safety. The herbalist also used his sharp sense of hearing to detect the slaves liberated by Colonel Clary and his brave friends during the tense moments before their arrival.
Although Simeon was already quite advanced in age when Dandin was very young, he was still active as Dandin matured. He remained a close friend of Bernard after the ancient Abbot retired and created new friendships with his successor, Abbot Saxtus. Brother Simeon was also very close to Joseph the Bellmaker, when he became a resident of the Abbey after the Battle of Fort Bladegirt and the herbalist's sharp mind was again useful in helping solve Joseph's dream.
For all his care and attention, Simeon was unable to prevent the brutal slaying of his other longtime friend, Mother Mellus, by the sea rat Slipp. While grieving, Simeon was able to develop a friendship with Blaggut, who loved the Mother badger almost as much as the Abbey residents.
The herbalist continued living after Abbot Bernard passed away. He met Aubretia and Bultip, who traveled to the Abbey to recount the tale of Martin the Warrior. The travelers gave Simeon the Laterose of Noonvale bush, which he planted on the grounds of the Abbey.