Hershel Greene

Hershel Greene is a main character and a survivor of the outbreak in AMC's The Walking Dead. He is a farm owner who lived in rural Georgia for many years with his family. Hershel is the father of Maggie, Beth, and Logan Greene. He married twice, his first wife being Josephine Greene and his second wife being Annette Greene, who brought along her son from a previous marriage. With the passage of time, Hershel becomes a mentor and a father figure to Rick Grimes.

Overview
Hershel is the quintessential stubborn farmer. Perhaps stemming from his religious beliefs, he believes strongly in what he considers to be right and is known to be uncompromising in defense of his morals. He also cares deeply for his family and protecting them (particularly his daughters Maggie and Beth and his son Logan). Protecting is one of the few times he will go against even his own moral code and do what needed to be done.

Hershel is a former alcoholic who spent a lot of time at the Carriage Bar before the birth of his daughter Maggie. After giving up drinking on the day of Maggie's birth, Hershel went so far as to ban all alcohol from his house to avoid temptation. Hershel relapsed following the barn massacre, but once again gave up drinking immediately afterwards, telling Dave and Tony this during the confrontation in the bar.

When Rick first encounters Hershel, Hershel holds a belief that the walkers are still living people who are sick and as such, he keeps the ones he can find in the barn on his farm until a cure can be found for them. At one point, Hershel compares a walker's crazed state to a schizophrenic. Hershel refuses to hear otherwise and sees the dangerous people as those who go around killing the walkers, believing it to be murder. Hershel's beliefs come mainly from the fact that he was living a sheltered life on his farm and most of what he knew about walkers came from watching the chaos of the Apocalypse on TV. After seeing Shane Walsh shoot Louise Bush multiple times in the chest and Louise keep coming, Hershel realized his mistake. As a result, he finally accepted that his wife was gone, but became so despondent that he took up drinking once again briefly.

As of Seasons 3 and 4, Hershel is shown to be a skilled diplomat, often talking down the other survivors from taking disastrous actions or talking them into taking the right ones, though these talks do not work as desired with everyone.

Greene Family Farm
Hershel grew up on a farm which had been possessed by his family for over 160 years, as a young child he was presented a pocket watch originally owned by his father (whose own father had passed down to him through generations.)

Hershel experienced a difficult childhood and thus had a negative realtionship with his alchoholic and abusive father where eventually by the age of fifteen he moved out. Hershel never let go of the grudge he held against his father and thus avoided all contact with him which resulted in him not being present at his deathbed; a matter to which Hershel does not regret.

In his later years, he became a veterinarian (due to his love for animals), it was during this period where Hershel eventually met Josephine Greene where the two then became married.

Within the first few years of their marriage however, Hershel also had begun to descend into alcoholism much like his father, during these periods after returning drunk from the local tavern, he was frequently forced to sleep on the downstairs couch by Josephine. Additionally, he pawned his pocket watch in order to pay off his drinking debt, though Josephine was able to repurchase his watch which she held onto until he had proven to be able to sober up.

The pair had their first daughter Maggie Greene, it was her birth which fortunately enabled Hershel to finally give up his alcoholism habit. However, six years later Josephine died (due to unknown circumstances.) Hershel eventually met another woman, Annette, who had a son Shawn from a previous marriage; the pair soon became married and had their child Logan Greene and than later had Beth Greene. Initially Hershel was faced with hostility from Maggie for his remarriage though she eventually warmed to her new step-mother.

At some point later Hershel employed Otis as his personal ranch foreman alongside his wife Patricia who became close friends towards the farming family.

Post-Apocalypse
As the outbreak started, Annette and Shawn were bitten by their undead fellow townspeople, and soon died and turned. Hershel, not believing their deaths and thinking they were merely under a disease of some kind (as the television/radio broadcasts seemed to imply) had Otis put them in the barn for holding until what seemed like an epidemic to him would blow over. He barricaded his remaining family and friends within the farm and had Otis continue to wrangle the townspeople that came onto the premises and put them in the barn.

Death
After Rick pleads with the Governor's group to put down their guns and join them at the prison, the Governor blatantly refuses under his breath and proceeds to slice Hershel's neck using Michonne's katana.
 * Killed By
 * The Governor (Alive)

Then, as a mortally wounded Hershel vainly drags himself away from the fight, slowly dying from lost blood, the Governor catches up with him and brutally hacks the rest of his neck, completely decapitating him in the process. After the destruction of the prison, Michonne finds Hershel's reanimated head and, with sadness, puts it down.
 * Michonne (Zombified)

Killed Victims
This list shows the victims Hershel has killed:
 * Sean (Caused)
 * Caleb Subramanian (Zombified)
 * Noris' Son  (Zombified)
 * Crying Mom (Zombified)
 * A few unnamed prison newcomers (Before Reanimation and Zombified)
 * Numerous counts of zombies

Relationships
{|

Josephine Greene
Josephine is Hershel's first wife, and Maggie's mother. She is stated by Hershel to be tough and strong, and she frequently made him sleep on the couch whenever he comes home late or drinking at night, showing that she cared a lot about her husband. She died before the apocalypse occurred. After her death, Hershel marries another woman, much to Maggie's dismay.
 * "She was a good woman, my Jo. Maggie's a lot like her."
 * —Hershel telling Glenn about his first wife[src]

Annette Greene
Annette was Hershel's wife and he deeply loved her. When she died, Hershel locked her up in the barn hoping that a cure would be found and save her life, and stated that she wasn't dead and was only sick. Hershel took up drinking again when Annette was killed, depressed over the death of his second wife, whom he loved.
 * "We weren't completely unscathed. We lost friends, neighbours. The epidemic took my wife, my stepson."
 * —Hershel to Rick[src]

Maggie Greene
Maggie is Hershel's eldest daughter. They have a normal father-daughter relationship and are very close. Hershel has entrusted Glenn to take care of her and be her unofficial husband, a status which Glenn had to earn by proving himself to Hershel over time.
 * "I rest easy knowing you can handle yourself. You've got your mother's spirit... and her stubbornness."
 * —Hershel comforting Maggie[src]

Maggie's personality is much like that of her father in that she is strong, intelligent, brave, responsible, innovative, capable, and able to bounce back from the tragedies she faces without letting herself become devastated or weakened by them. Knowing that Maggie can take care of herself without his constant supervision, Hershel gave her the job of going on supply runs, a duty which she has kept throughout the zombie apocalypse. He also allows Maggie to engage in combat alongside the men. This is far different from how Hershel views Beth, who he keeps by his side as she is much more naive and fearful than her sister. However, Hershel is still very protective of Maggie and often worries about her, like any normal parent would.

When the virus hits the prison, Hershel's devotion to caring for the sick, in spite of his own chances of catching the disease, deeply upsets Maggie. He convinces her that he is making the right decision. However, when he's alone in quarantine fighting off a walker who is wearing intubation he needs to save Glenn's life, Maggie refuses to let the walker kill him, even at risk of destroying the intubation. She manages the perfect shot, killing the walker and saving her father.

His death by the Governor's hands several hours later devastates Maggie. She is seen crying and screaming behind the prison fences after witnessing her father's execution.

Logan Greene
Logan is Hershel's only living son. They have a normal, loving father-son relationship.

Beth Greene
Beth is Hershel's youngest daughter. They have a normal, loving, father-daughter relationship. Hershel is protective of Beth as she is still considered a kid, at the age of 17. Hershel always kept Beth out of harm's way for as long as she can remember, even after the outbreak happened, and teaches her to always do good things in life. After Beth tried to commit suicide, Hershel was by her side watching and caring for her. Hershel calls Beth, "Bethy", and is proud of his daughter's singing skills.
 * "I thought-- I hoped he'd just live the rest of his life in peace, you know? I thought Maggie and Glenn would have a baby. And he'd get to be a grandpa. And we'd have birthdays and holidays and summer picnics. And he'd get really old... And it 'd happen, but it'd be quiet... It'd be okay... He'd be surrounded by people he loved. That's how unbelievably stupid I am."
 * —Beth remembering her father[src]

When Hershel is bitten, amputated and taken back to the cells, Beth starts to cry in Lori's arms at the sight of her unconscious father in "Sick". Beth does not give up on Hershel and still believes he will be okay, Beth starts to make new pants for Hershel and Maggie asks why in which Beth moans at her for sounding as she has given up on their father. When Hershel regains consciousness, he and Beth are seen walking around together, Beth helping Hershel walk and cope with his new disability while Maggie is off with Glenn. Hershel always protects Beth despite his inability to walk normally, such as in episodes "Killer Within" and "Welcome to the Tombs". Sometimes, Hershel would also give medical advice regarding Judith to Beth and Carol. In season 4, Hershel and Beth had very little interaction due to the flu outbreak surrounding the prison, although when she and Maggie were struggling in the aftermath of the virus, Beth reminded her of Hershel's advice that they all had jobs to do. After Hershel was murdered before her eyes, Beth began to scream and cry, and opened fire on the Governor alongside Maggie. Maggie later calmed her by reminding her of Hershel's advice. After his death, she admit that she missed him and Beth promised herself to keep her father's teaching alive.

Shawn Greene
Shawn was Hershel's stepson and he deeply loved him. When he died, Hershel locked him up in the barn hoping that a cure would be found and save his life, and stated that he wasn't dead and was only sick. Hershel took up drinking again when Shawn was killed, depressed over the death of his stepson, whom he loved.
 * "My wife and stepson are in that barn. They're people."
 * —Hershel to Dale[src]

Otis
Otis is Hershel's close friend, and they got along with each other well. Hershel is grateful towards Otis for helping him at the farm on numerous occasions, and doesn't mind him staying. Hershel was saddened of Otis' death, and held a funeral for him in appreciation for what he had done for his entire life and what he did right before his death.
 * "Blessed be God, Father of our lord, Jesus Christ. Praise be to Him, for the gift of our brother Otis, for his span of years, for his abundance of character; Otis, who gave his life to save a child's. Now more than ever, our most precious asset. We thank you, God, for the peace he enjoys in your embrace. He died as he lived, in grace."
 * —Hershel during Otis' funeral[src]

Patricia
Patricia is Hershel's vet assistant and close friend. She often assists him in medical circumstances, and is seen by his side along with Maggie, Beth and Glenn when the rest of the group turn against him after the discovery of Sophia. Hershel respects her but still treats her as his employee when he orders her to prepare for emergency surgery one time. He is concerned about Patricia's whereabouts when she is not seen at the highway, and appears saddened when Beth explains to him about her death.
 * "Patricia, I need my full kit."
 * —Hershel issuing orders to Patricia[src]

Jimmy
Being the boyfriend of his daughter Beth, Hershel cares for Jimmy and doesn't mind him staying at his farm. Hershel and Jimmy get along well, though he and Beth often had to be chased around by Hershel, because of their sexual activity. Hershel views Jimmy as slightly immature, but is grateful for helping him at the farm on numerous occasions. Hershel was saddened to learn of Jimmy's death.
 * "Jimmy is 17. He's not my kin but I am responsible for him."
 * —Hershel to Rick regarding Jimmy[src]

Glenn Rhee
Hershel and Glenn initially don't have a very good relationship, with the former disapproving of his relationship with his daughter, Maggie. However, as time passes, Hershel realizes that Glenn is a capable man who can care and protect his daughter from the dangerous world they live in. He gives Glenn a pocket watch (which has been passed through generations in Hershel's family) and along with it permission to be with Maggie.
 * "You're like my own son."
 * —Hershel to Glenn when treating his wounds[src]

Later on in the prison, Hershel tells Glenn that he is like a son to him, showing their extremely close bond and friendship. When the Prison is overrun by Walkers after a delivery van driven by a Woodbury soldier unloads them during the Woodbury attack, Glenn (along with Michonne) helps to rescue Hershel. Glenn later confronts Hershel telling him he wishes to marry Maggie. Hershel happily agrees, saying "You have my blessing."

When Glenn falls ill from the mystery virus spreading throughout the prison, he still helps Hershel and Sasha with the other patients in quarantine until he becomes too weak to do so. Hershel works tirelessly to save him, to the point where he pleads with Maggie not to kill the walker who is about to kill him, as the walker is wearing intubation that he can use for Glenn. Maggie manages to kill the walker without damaging the mask, and Hershel stabilizes Glenn until Michonne, Tyreese, Bob, and Daryl arrive with medicine.

Glenn is ill and/or unconscious throughout the fall of the prison, meaning he knows nothing of Hershel's capture or death. When he comes to and gathers some supplies and mementos from the abandoned prison, one of the items he takes is Hershel's watch. When Tara, a member of the Governor's militia, accidentally tells him about the murder (mentioning an "old man" the Governor killed), Glenn asks if she means Hershel. Upon getting confirmation, Glenn is devastated.

Rick Grimes
Rick first meets the Greene family after his son Carl is accidentally shot by their neighbor Otis, who offers the medical assistance of the family patriarch, Hershel. Rick is grateful for Hershel ultimately saving his son and allowing the group to stay on his farm while Carl heals, though they came at odds when the group discovered that Hershel has been hoarding his undead family and neighbors in his barn thinking they could be cured. Rick slowly attempts to show Hershel the truth of the living dead, but to no avail, as Hershel believes God wants the walkers to be kept safe, not killed. He eventually cooperates with Hershel, even going as far as to aid him in bringing two new walkers to the barn.
 * "He needs his father. He needs his father to show him the way. What way are you going to show him?"
 * —Hershel convincing Rick to focus on raising his son.[src]

After facing a divine intervention following the barn shootout, Hershel relapses into his alcoholism and was confronted in a bar by Rick who convinces him that what had happened needed to be done, as the undead are no longer the people they were before. Following this revelation, Hershel sees the spirit in Rick's leadership and has since become one of his most devoted followers, standing by his side and knowing that he had his family's safety at heart along with the rest of the group. Despite this notion, Hershel continues persistently in voicing his concerns over Shane Walsh until the latter's death.

During their time on the farm, Hershel tries to mentor Rick's troubles and offer advice as often as he possibly can. Despite these attempts usually being rebuffed, Hershel never takes it to heart and feels that Rick is competent enough to overcome anything. This is most positively seen when Rick pulls Hershel away from defending his farm against an overwhelming herd and into the arms of his surviving daughters. Rick knew that not only did the man have his own family to protect, he also provides his pregnant wife and the group with a crucial medical role. After abandoning the farm, Rick assumes command over the entire group, which unites them all as one unit. While living as transient scavengers during the winter, Hershel follows Rick's leadership and does not question him.

When Hershel is bitten in the leg while the group is clearing the prison, Rick immediately hacks off his leg to prevent the infection from killing him, which eventually leads to a full recovery minus the amputation. Hershel continues to follow Rick's leadership and is saddened by Lori's death and Rick's devastation. He is shown mentoring Rick both during and after his breakdown. While Rick is busy recovering and coming to terms with what broke him, Hershel has acted as a surrogate father to Judith and spends the majority of his time taking care of her.

The two have become very close friends following Hershel's recovery from his amputation. Although Rick felt bad about having to cut off Hershel's leg and leave him permanently disabled, Hershel has been nothing but gracious to Rick because the act saved his life. Thanks to Rick's quick thinking, Hershel became the first and only known survivor of a zombie bite.

As more time passes in the prison, Hershel becomes close counsel to Rick on how best to handle things, voicing his opinion to Rick when he has doubts or questions his decisions. It is obvious that Rick has a very high level of personal trust in Hershel, as he was the sole group member that Rick confided in regarding the hallucinations he's been having. Knowing that Rick told him in confidence and did not want the others to know, Hershel kept Rick's secret. Even after Rick's outburst upon seeing Lori's 'ghost' on the prison balcony and yelling at her, Hershel has respected Rick's privacy and kept the details about his friend's experiences to himself. Hershel is very understanding of what Rick is going through, does not blame or judge him for it, and has continued to be there for him. Although he is doing his best to help Rick mourn and get through this, Hershel keeps his friend in line as he refuses to let Rick be controlled by his grief or do anything that would put them all in danger.

Before Hershel's death, he shows a great amount of pride for Rick as he attempts to parley with the Governor. Rick is devastated by Hershel's death, screaming and opening fire on The Governor. During the battle, Rick tackles The Governor and proceeds to brutally attack him because of what he did to Hershel.

Lori Grimes
Lori first meets Hershel when he is preparing to operate on Carl's gunshot wound. At first she acts hostile towards him because of Otis' mistake of shooting Carl, and when Hershel says he is a veterinarian, she doubts his skill even more; eventually she gives in because there are currently no others who can operate on Carl. After Hershel saves Carl's life, and she learns of Otis' sacrifice for Carl, she is appreciative, and learns to respect Hershel and his family. Throughout her stay at the farm, she grows closer with Hershel, especially after Rick tells him that Lori is pregnant. They maintain a good relationship and Hershel starts giving advice to Lori about pregnancy. Hershel had wanted the group to leave the farm as soon as Carl had recovered enough to travel, but Lori's pregnancy is enough to change his mind.
 * "Rest? Let's go for a little stroll."
 * —Hershel to Lori about using crutches after resting from his leg amputation[src]

When Hershel goes missing after the barn massacre, Rick wants to find him, but Lori disagrees, saying they need a leader to stay in the farm and that Shane is dangerous if left alone. But when Rick says he wants to find Hershel because he's the only one who can check up on Lori's baby on a daily basis and to inform him about Beth's condition, she agrees. Lori continues to support both Rick and Hershel's decisions to do what's best for the group, especially when Randall is taken hostage in the farm. During the walkers' invasion at the farm, Lori stays behind inside the house and when she is going to run away from the farm with Carol, Beth, and Patricia, she repeatedly yells at Hershel to stop defending his farm, only leaving him behind when it's clear he won't go with her. Finally, the group reunite at the highway after the invasion and they continue their travel to find a safe place.

During the months the group spent on the run after the farm was overrun, Hershel and Lori become even closer. Hershel is worried about Lori and tells Rick that she can't take much more of them moving around different places. When Lori is crying about her baby seemingly dying inside of her, Hershel tries his best to comfort her. She also triesto comfort Beth and Maggie after Hershel's foot amputation, and when he stops breathing, she performs CPR on him, ignoring the potential risk of his turning into a walker during the process. She's also the only one besides Beth who is positive that Hershel can make it through his amputation, and is happy about Hershel's survival, saying that today's a good day because they were able to safe Hershel's life. One of the last happy moments of Lori's life is helping Hershel walk outside for the first time after his amputation. After Lori's death, Hershel continues to care about Judith and frequently mentions Lori's good deeds to the group.

Carl Grimes
Hershel has a good friendship with Carl and looks after him during their time at the farm and prison. Hershel performs the operation that saves Carl's life after Carl is accidentally shot by Otis. Carl later returns the favor by retrieving badly-needed medical supplies after Hershel's lower leg is amputated when he is bitten by a walker. When Hershel recovers enough to move around with crutches, Carl jokingly challenges him to a race. Hershel is shocked when Carl shoots and kills Jody, who was surrendering, and tells Rick that the killing was in cold blood, and worries for Carl's mental state. However, Hershel later acknowledges at the that Carl has "come back." Carl offers to help Hershel while he picks herbs in the woods, and bonds with him. After Hershel is decapitated by the governor, Carl was enraged and saddened over the death of his friend whom he viewed as a father figure.
 * "Hershel. If you have to go, then I have to come with you. I have to."
 * —Carl offering to help Hershel[src]

Judith Grimes
Due to his medical training, Hershel is the primary caretaker of Judith. He spends a significant amount of time with the baby and ensures that her needs are met. Hershel cares very deeply for Judith. Since the day Judith was born, Hershel has acted as her surrogate father while Rick recovers from his breakdown.
 * "Oh the baby, she's healthy -- eats like a horse, sleeps like a rock."
 * —Hershel assuring Rick of Judith's state[src]

Shane Walsh
Shane and Hershel have a poor relationship. Shane appeared to be grateful to Hershel for saving Carl's life and giving the group shelter, although once discovering of the walker infested barn, Shane was furious at Hershel and claimed he was crazy. After massacring the barn walkers and discovering Sophia, Shane was even more furious and may have tried to attack Hershel but was stopped by Maggie. Hershel reluctantly put up with Shane after this event, and Shane was angered at Hershel's decision to operate on Randall and let him go and claimed that he was just as bad a leader as Rick. Hershel seemed slightly shocked to learn of Shane's death.
 * "You know, we haven't even dealt with what you did at my barn yet. Let me make this perfectly clear, once and for all... This is my farm. Now I wanted you gone. Rick talked me out of it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. So do us both a favor... Keep your mouth shut."
 * —Hershel to Shane[src]

Dale Horvath
Dale and Hershel are usually seen talking with each other throughout Dale's stay at the farm. Due to their relative closeness in age, the two are usually seen talking about deciding what's best for both Dale and Hershel's group. At first, Hershel doesn't seem to like Dale's stubborn attitude towards him about convincing him that the walkers are not people, but eventually, Hershel warms up to him. Their relationship got better after the barn massacre and Hershel's return from his alcoholic state. When Dale asked Hershel's opinion about executing Randall, he told Dale that he doesn't want to take any part of it and told him that they should just let Rick handle things from now on. When Dale's life cannot be saved, Hershel is saddened by it, and since then, tries his hardest to take on Dale's role as a moral compass for the group.
 * "With all due respect, you are cut off from the outside world here. But I've seen people that I cared about die and come back, and they're not people."
 * —Dale to Hershel talking about the undead kept in Hershel's barn[src]

Andrea
Andrea was grateful towards Hershel for letting her and the group stay at his farm, and tries to help him out whenever she can. The two, however, came at odds when the group discovered that Hershel had been hoarding his undead family and neighbours in his barn thinking they could be cured. Hershel forgives Andrea for participating in the barn shootout, and lets her stay on the farm. After being separated for many months, Andrea meets Hershel again when she visits the prison, and is happy to see him again, though she is at first shocked about his missing leg. During the Governor and Rick's negotiation, Andrea has a hard time choosing which side she should join. Hershel gives her some advice, and acknowledges her as family. Hershel was later saddened to learn of Andrea's death.
 * "We're family. You belong with us. But if you join us, it's settled."
 * —Hershel to Andrea[src]

Carol Peletier
Hershel teaches Carol a few minor medical techniques in preparation for the birth of Lori's baby. They presumably become close to one another in their time alone in doing this. Hershel is bitten by a lurker, and his leg is amputated by Rick to stop the infection. Carol, like Maggie, is not optimistic about Hershel's chances of survival, but works as hard to keep him alive anyway. When Carol reunites with the rest of the group, she is extremely happy to see Hershel again and gives him a strong, bracing hug (despite his now-limited balance). Hershel seems equally happy to see Carol. It is possible that the fact that Carol helped save Hershel's life helped to strengthen their growing bond. Hershel is shocked and saddened to learn that Rick banished Carol, although he does not question the decision. It is still unknown whether Carol is aware about his death since she stated that she only saw the ending of the war, but she is presumed to have been devastated.
 * "Oh, there you are!"
 * —Carol to Hershel as she reunites with the group[src]

T-Dog
T-Dog was grateful towards Hershel for letting him and the group stay at his farm, and tries to help him out whenever he can. The two, however, came at odds when the group discovered that Hershel had been hoarding his undead family and neighbours in his barn thinking they could be cured. Hershel forgives T-Dog for participating in the barn shootout, and lets him stay on the farm. During their time at the prison, T-Dog and Hershel have formed a strong friendship and hold a lot of respect towards each other. T-Dog is concerned for Hershel after his leg is amputated, and is glad to know that he survived. Hershel was saddened to learn of T-Dog's death, and states that if he hadn't risked himself to close the gates to prevent more walkers from entering, the group would have suffered more losses.
 * "He got bit closing the gate. If he hadn't done that..."
 * —Hershel to Glenn about T-Dog[src]

Daryl Dixon
Daryl was grateful towards Hershel for letting him and the group stay at his farm, and tries to help him out whenever he can. The two came at odds when the group discovered that Hershel had been hoarding his undead family and neighbours in his barn thinking they could be cured. Hershel forgives Daryl for participating in the barn shootout, and lets him stay on the farm. During their time at the prison, Daryl and Hershel have formed a strong friendship and hold a lot of respect towards each other. Hershel respects Daryl's will and selflesness for the group during the time in both the farm and prison, while Daryl respects Hershel's bravery to risk his own life for the safety of the others. After Hershel was decapitated by the Governor, Daryl mercilessly fired at The Governor's Militia, enraged over the death of his friend.
 * "You are one tough son of a bitch."
 * —Daryl to Hershel[src]

During a drinking game with Beth, Daryl has an emotional breakdown in which he also express his sorrow and regret at not killing the Governor and saving Hershel while he had a chance to take a shot, showing just how much he meant to him.

Merle Dixon
Merle and Hershel first met after the latter joins the group and have established a quick friendship. While the rest of the group besides Daryl distrusted Merle, Hershel was friendly towards him and has bonded with him through a discussion of their loss of limbs and the Bible. Merle warns Hershel about the upcoming battle with the governor, and tells him that he is dangerous. Hershel values Merle's military experience, and states that he should be acknowledged as part of the group. It is unknown how Hershel responds to Merle's death.
 * "Merle has military experience. He may be erratic but don't underestimate his loyalty to his brother."
 * —Hershel to Rick and Glenn discussing his presence within the group[src]

Michonne
Hershel and Michonne quickly become close, with Hershel often treating her for medical injuries and even saving her life (being one of the only people left who can treat a concussion) after she arrives at the prison. Michonne returns this favor by saving Hershel's life, carrying him to the truck along with Glenn. When Hershel is informed by Rick that The Governor wants her in exchange for the prison's safety from his army, he stands up for her and states that she has earned her place in the group. Months later, after the prison finally recovers from the deadly flu virus, it is overrun by walkers, but is saved by the efforts of Rick and Carl outside, and Hershel inside. The next day, Hershel and Michonne go to burn the walkers but are kidnapped by Phillip, and brought back to his camp. Later that day, Phillip executes Hershel right in front of the prison survivors and Michonne, using Michonne's own katana. She is shocked and devestated by his death, and later stabs the Governor in revenge for him. Later, Michonne comes across Hershel's zombified head and sadly stabs it, showing how much she cared for him.
 * "She saved my life, Carl's, Glenn and Maggie's... If she hadn't come here, we never would have known they were taken. She's earned her place."
 * —Hershel to Rick regarding Michonne[src]

Tyreese Williams
Hershel and Tyreese have formed a quick friendship upon meeting each other. Tyreese is grateful towards Hershel for offering to help, and promises to do whatever he can for him and the prison group. Hershel later tries to convince Rick into letting Tyreese and his group stay in the prison and to give them a chance at earning their place. When the Woodbury residents including Tyreese join the prison, Hershel is happy to see him again and gives him a friendly pat on the shoulder. In the following months, Tyreese and Hershel have established a good friendship. Tyreese is grateful towards Hershel for saving Sasha and the other sick prison residents' lives. After Hershel was decapitated by the Governor, Tyreese mercilessly fired at The Governor's Militia, enraged over the death of his friend.
 * "I appreciate you taking care of us. For a while, we didn't know who we were dealing with."
 * —Tyreese thanking Hershel[src]

Sasha Williams
Hershel and Sasha have formed a quick friendship upon meeting each other. Sasha is grateful towards Hershel for offering to help, and promises to do whatever he can for him and the prison group. Hershel later tries to convince Rick into letting Sasha and her group stay in the prison and to give them a chance at earning their place. When the Woodbury residents including Sasha join the prison, Hershel is happy to see her again. In the following months, Sasha and Hershel have established a good friendship. Hershel saves Sasha when she is sick, and she tells him that that she is lucky to be alive and that she only is because of Hershel.
 * "I thought you were an idiot to come in here. I mean, I was sure that you were gonna be a dead foolish man. I don't know what I'm saying. I must've hit my head. I don't believe in magic or luck. I do the math and I don't gamble. But I don't know if I'd be here right now if you weren't so damn stupid."
 * —Sasha to Hershel[src]

After Hershel was decapitated by the Governor, Sasha mercilessly fired at The Governor's Militia, enraged over the death of her friend.

The Governor
Hershel considers Philip as an enemy, stating that he was a sick man for having his daughter, Maggie, strip naked. Despite this, Hershel believes that the Governor isn't entirely bad, and what he has become is due to the state of the world now, and suggests to avoid conflict with him by leaving the prison. Several months later, Philip ambushes Hershel and Michonne and holds them hostage. Hershel negotiates with Philip, saying that the two groups of survivors can live together and that he can change just like Rick. Philip, however, ignores Hershel's words and threatens to kill him if Rick doesn't surrender. Philip later slashes Hershel's neck repeatedly, decapitating him and shows no remorse for doing so.
 * "Your people. Our people. We can find a way to live together. These people you need to keep alive, do you love them? Everything you've said, the way you've said it, you've changed. So has Rick. We'll find a way. You say you want to take this prison as peacefully as possible. That means you'd be willing to hurt people to get it. My daughters would be there. That's who you'd be hurting. If you understand what it's like to have a daughter, then how can you threaten to kill someone else's?"
 * —Hershel to Philip[src]

Milton Mamet
During Philip and Rick's negotiation, Milton begins taking notes of what's happening, and tells Hershel that they need to keep records of the apocalypses's history, and Hershel agrees with him. The two talk, and Milton starts to take interest in Hershel's amputated leg. Milton asks if he could see Hershel's leg, to learn more about how it was amputated. Hershel jokingly declines and tells Milton to buy a drink for him first, and they both start to laugh.
 * "I'm not showing you my leg. I just met you. At least buy me a drink first."
 * —Hershel joking with Milton and declining to show him his amputated leg[src]

Caleb Subramanian
Dr. Subramanian is seen conversing with Rick, Daryl, Hershel, and Bob about the unknown flu and explains how Charlie likely died, noticing blood leaking from his eyes and nose and a lack of bites. Rick then mentions Patrick's similar condition. When Caleb is sick, Hershel gives him some herb tea, hoping that it will help with the symptoms. They talk with each other, showing that they have a good relationship with one another.
 * "Doctors make the worst patients."
 * —Hershel to Caleb, while he is checking on Caleb's ill condition[src]

It is implied, due to the fact that both are doctors, they are sympathetic towards each another, mutually understanding the difficulties of the job. Caleb repeatedly tells Hershel that he shouldn't be in the cell block with them, conveying that he cares about him. Hershel apparently believes Caleb to be a good man, which is evident through their conversations and how Hershel repeatedly emphasizes that Caleb would do the same thing if "he were in his shoes." Hershel shows concern over Caleb's rapidly deteriorating condition. When Caleb becomes pessimistic over the flu and his symptoms, Hershel comforts him and tells him that they're not that bad off. Caleb disagrees and gives Hershel the advice to make sure everyone is locked in, and shows him the shotgun he brought into his cell.

Later, when Hershel returns to Caleb's cell to get his shotgun, he discovers Caleb as a walker, and tearfully stabs him in the head. After Glenn is stabilized and all has calmed down, Hershel comes back to the doctor's cell and closes the dead man's eye. He pulls out his Bible and begins to read, weeping over the loss of his friend.

Bob Stookey
Bob is seen conversing with Rick, Daryl, Hershel, and Caleb about the unknown flu and explains how Charlie likely died, noticing blood leaking from his eyes and nose and a lack of bites. Rick then mentions Patrick's similar condition. They discuss the illness with each other, showing that they have a good relationship with one another. Later, Bob visits Tyreese who is burying Karen and David, and tells him to get a checkup from Hershel, showing that he knows about Hershel's medical skills. After Hershel was decapitated by the Governor, Bob mercilessly fired at The Governor's Militia, enraged over the death of his friend.
 * "You should at least let Hershel or Dr. S. take a look at you, make sure nothing's broken."
 * —Bob to Tyreese[src]

Lizzie Samuels
Hershel was friendly and caring towards Lizzie and the kids, and got along with each other well. Hershel looks after Lizzie when she is sick, and borrows her his book to keep her busy. Hershel later saves Lizzie from a walker and locks her in a cell to keep her safe. How Hershel's death affects Lizzie is unknown, as she wasn't present when he was killed.
 * "Go get my copy of "Tom Sawyer" from my room. I want you to read it by tonight. We all got jobs to do. That one's yours"
 * —Hershel to Lizzie.[src]
 * }
 * }

Appearances
{|

Season 2

 * "Bloodletting"
 * "Save the Last One"
 * "Cherokee Rose"
 * "Chupacabra"
 * "Secrets"
 * "Pretty Much Dead Already"
 * "Nebraska"
 * "Triggerfinger"
 * "Judge, Jury, Executioner"
 * "Better Angels"
 * "Beside the Dying Fire"

Season 3

 * "Seed"
 * "Sick" (No Lines)
 * "Killer Within"
 * "Say the Word"
 * "Hounded"
 * "When the Dead Come Knocking"
 * "Made to Suffer"
 * "The Suicide King"
 * "Home"
 * "I Ain't a Judas"
 * "Arrow on the Doorpost"
 * "This Sorrowful Life"
 * "Welcome to the Tombs"

Season 4

 * "30 Days Without An Accident"
 * "Infected"
 * "Isolation"
 * "Internment"
 * "Dead Weight" (No Lines)
 * "Too Far Gone"
 * "After" (Zombified)
 * "A" (Flashback)

Season 7

 * "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be" (Archive Footage)

Season 9

 * "What Comes After" (Dream)
 * }
 * }

Trivia

 * Hershel was one of the few members of Rick's group who believed in God and the Afterlife.
 * Hershel is the first main character to die in a mid-season finale, the second being his daughter Beth, the third being Deanna, the fourth being Spencer and the fifth being Jesus.
 * Hershel is the second character to have a death in a mid-season finale. First being Sophia and then followed by Beth, Deanna, Spencer, Olivia, Natania and Jesus.
 * ​In many ways, Hershel had replaced Dale as the moral compass of the group. This was foreshadowed both by their interaction with each other and with other survivors:
 * Dale's conversation with Hershel in "Judge, Jury, Executioner" consisted of him appealing to Hershel for support regarding the fate of a prisoner. Hershel turned a blind eye at the time, which is ironic, as Hershel would later plead a case for Rick to spare Tyreese and his group's lives in "The Suicide King".
 * Dale had a very paternal relationship with Glenn, who actively sought his approval. Hershel would later become a very real father after Glenn became involved with his daughter Maggie.
 * Rick revealed in his eulogy at Dale's funeral that he would often look to him for approval regarding difficult moral dilemmas. He would later tell Hershel of his plan to turn Michonne over to The Governor in hopes of a truce and, when asked by Hershel why he was telling him and not the others, Rick answered that he was hoping Hershel could talk him out of it.
 * Dale in the comic series lost his leg and had to use crutches and later a peg-leg Andrea built for him. With Dale dying much earlier in the TV series, Hershel lost his leg, survived, and was forced to use crutches. By season 4, he obtained a prosthetic leg which is more advanced than Dale's Comic Series peg-leg and which permitted him to wear a full pair of boots again.
 * On the Talking Dead episode in which Scott Wilson guest stars discussing "Too Far Gone", in which Hershel is killed, a strong parallel is made between the characters of Dale and Hershel, who are confirmed to have been moral centers for the group, and that this had a strong impact on fan reactions to their deaths.
 * Scott Wilson, who portrays Hershel, revealed that there is a portrait of his mother as a young girl hanging in the farm house.[1]
 * Hershel was initially scripted to be killed by Randall in the episode "Better Angels" during Randall's escape. However, the producers decided to allow the character to live so that they could explore the dramatic potential of losing his farm in "Beside the Dying Fire" and Season 3.[2]
 * Hershel is one of the many amputees in the series, having his leg amputated by Rick Grimes to prevent him from turning and untimely being decapitated by The Governor.
 * Hershel is the first person in the TV Series to survive the infection, due to having his leg amputated so the infection can be contained from the blood.
 * Hershel is the first Greene family member to be killed on a mid-season finale; he was followed by his youngest daughter, Beth, who was killed in the mid-season finale of Season 5. Both also died after Rick tried to talk the killer into letting them go.