Hershel Greene: Father, mentor, and friend on The Walking Dead

Remembering Hershel, who gets my vote for the best father, mentor, and friend in The Walking Dead Universe. We didn’t have him for very long but for the time we did he meant so much to so many.

We are introduced to many fathers in The Walking Dead but Hershel is by far my favorite. He had a no-nonsense way of life. He had strict morals and he stood by them even during the zombie apocalypse.

We were introduced to Hershel in Season 2 of TWD.  He was a farmer who along with his family had so far been fairly isolated from the outbreak. They had food, water, and shelter and didn’t take in any outsiders.

Then along came Carl Grimes, he had been accidentally shot by one of Hershel’s men, Otis and needed medical attention. Hershel, by trade, was a veterinarian. Even tho he hadn’t done procedures on humans before Carl would die without treatment. He saved Carl’s life and Rick’s group eventually settled at the farm.

There were many times when Hershel showed us what a great father he was. When he found out that Maggie and Glenn were an item he gave Glenn his grandfather’s pocket watch and told him “No man is good enough for your little girl,” Hershel says, “until one is.” Showing us how much he cares for his girls.

Hershel also took a fatherly approach to Rick after he lost Lori. He also guided Rick into turning the prison into a place where they could live and be safe. Where they could welcome others and make a new life.

One of my favorite Hershel quotes:

"“You step outside, you risk your life. You take a drink of water, you risk your life. And nowadays you breathe, and you risk your life. Every moment now… you don’t have a choice. The only thing you can choose is what you’re risking it for. Now, I can make these people feel better and hang on a little bit longer. I can save lives. And that’s enough reason to risk mine.”—Hershel to his daughter Maggie and to Rick Grimes, regarding the situation in the prison with the flu and how he could help the ailing people."

Everyone remembers when Hershel declared that they would start having Spaghetti Tuesdays every Wednesday. This was during the sickness at the prison and Hershel was again, trying to take care of everyone and making this comment to lighten the mood.

Even when he was on his knees, knowing the end of his life was near, Hershel made a tiny smile to his girls. I am sure he was trying to give them one last glimpse of the love he had for them.

Happy Father’s day to all the fathers of the world. Make sure to celebrate your special day with family.