The Hermit is the archetype of the Old Wise Man. He retreats into quietness and silence, he practises abstinence, self-restraint and asceticism and looks for guidance in himself rather than others. He strives to be authentic, to know and live his will, to not be influenced by others. The Hermit lives with himself, in himself, and out of himself.
The Hermit can be problematic when his habit of retreating drives him into insulation, makes him afraid of people or bitter and hard, or when he begins to over-estimate his wisdom and becomes smug.