What is "knulp"

Published in Germany in 1915, Knulp is a novel written by Hermann Hesse. It was Hesse's most popular book in the years before he published Demian. The novel is split up into three separate tales which are centered on the life of the main character: Knulp. Knulp, who was once a gifted and promising youth, is depicted as amiable vagabond that perpetually wanders from town to town staying with friends. He is disliked by almost everyone he encounters in the novel for his manners and awful demeanor—despite his being a successful doctor. Because of this, he is kicked out by everyone, but receives charity from those sympathetic with him.