Who is Joachim Ziemssen from The Magic Mountain and what is their importance?

Joachim Ziemssen is Hans Castorp's cousin. He has only one desire in life, and that is to be a soldier in the "flatlands." Military and correct but gentle, Joachim has beautiful brown eyes and is considered by the other Berghof patients to be the "best of the lot". He represents a part of the German soul - the part that loves duty, honor, patriotism and military glory.