Amundsen: Quiet Conqueror of the Polar Regions

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  • Опубліковано 20 гру 2022
  • This is a story about a little known, yet much misunderstood hero. But more than that it is also a story about a clash of philosophies, the dawn of a new era; a young nation, and a once mighty one - both in their own way experiencing an identity crisis.
    In 1911, a young Norwegian explorer called Roald Amundsen reached the south Geographic Pole in a slick, clinical, sportsmanlike operation, having recently also been the first man to sail through the fabled North-West Passage on the other side of the globe. In doing so, he eclipsed a massive, lavishly funded, British polar expedition which was characterised by poor organisation, incompetent leadership and gross negligence that led to tragic suffering and loss of life.
    What followed in Britain was nothing less than a public cover-up, and whitewashing of their own expedition’s failures. Amundsen was characterised as a usurper and glory seeker, such that his reputation suffered even in his own fledgling nation of Norway. Undeterred, he would nevertheless push on with his polar ambitions, pioneering technology and protocols that saw him become the first explorer to reach both the north and south poles, the first to fly a plane beyond the arctic circle and even the first to fly an airship over the North Pole.
    A very private and driven man unused to public life or promotional spin, his serious and reserved nature won him few friends, while his unromantic writing style and matter of fact lectures hardly fired the popular imagination, hungry as they were for swashbuckling heroics and adventure; such that his stature has been overshadowed by the likes of Scott and Shackleton.
    In recent decades, a more sober reflection on what we now call the Heroic age of Polar exploration has begun to restore Amundsen to his pre-eminent position as the greatest of all Polar explorers. He was a man who spent years among the Netsilik Eskimo, studying their survival skills in minute detail, while astutely observing their culture with the greatest admiration and respect; pragmatically and successfully adopting their stone age wisdom while also embracing cutting edge technology. He was a man ahead of his time, yet was wise enough to apply the skills of the ancient ways in attaining his arctic goals.
    Join us as we dive into the life and times of Roald Amundsen, quiet conqueror of the earth’s Polar regions.
    #amundsen #roaldamundsen #explorer #northpole #southpole #arctic #antarctica #shackleton #norway #hero
    All footage used in this montage is for educational purposes. It remains the property of its respective creators, and is gratefully acknowledged in the end credits. Copyright Disclaimer- under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use. Please contact us on info@heroesandlegends.com.au if you have any concerns about its use.
    Content:
    00:00
    02:20 Fritjof Nansen's Greenland expedition
    04:36 Sir John Franklin's expeditions
    17:09 Fritjof Nansen's Fram Expedition to the North Pole
    23:08 The Belgica Expedition 1897
    30:53 Amundsen's North West Passage Expedition
    53:50 The British Discovery Expedition
    59:45 Ernest Shackleton's Nimrod Expedition
    1:05:40 Amundsens Decision to head South
    1:12:02 Scott v Amundsen- the race is on
    1:27:35 Scott's push for the Pole
    1:37:50 Amundsen's Maud Expedition
    1:39:50 Lincoln Elseworth and The Dornier flights
    1:41:42 The Norge Airship Expedition
    1:45:28 Closing Remarks
    ERRATA / CORRIGENDA:
    1. In the introduction (only), the south pole conquest is mentioned as happening in 1912, instead of 1911. Oops.
    2. At 29:40 the narrator says the sun returned in June. in Antarctica the sun actually returns in September
    If you enjoy my content, leave your suggestions and comments below, and
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    For an audio-narration only version of this video please visit the Heroes and Legends Documentary Channel Podcast, via Spotify, Itunes or other leading broadcasters.
    For resources, links to my other videos, merchandise, the latest social media posts and podcast links, please visit my Heroes and Legends Website: www.heroesandlegends.com.au

КОМЕНТАРІ • 657

  • @doubleyell_
    @doubleyell_ 11 місяців тому +57

    Amundsen:
    First to undisputedly reach the North Pole
    First to undisputedly reach the South Pole
    First to traverse the Northwest Passage solely by boat
    I feel like he should’ve at least been mentioned in history class

    • @outlawJosieFox
      @outlawJosieFox 3 місяці тому +8

      Well I guess you must be an American. Of course we Brits have heard of him lol. He won didn't he ?

    • @CJM-rg5rt
      @CJM-rg5rt 3 місяці тому +1

      ​​@@outlawJosieFoxwell the other team was British so it makes a bit more sense. Kinda coming off as a snobby stereotype, especially with that "lol" It sucks that we weren't taught about him but it's not like something else didn't take its place. I hear they even teach that Scott was the better of the two... lol.

    • @thewidow7864
      @thewidow7864 2 місяці тому

      i't not on the interest of the perfidiopus albion that you know him

    • @pepeepupoo
      @pepeepupoo Місяць тому

      He was a snake. There is a reason he doesn't matter. That Scott expedition gave us more scientific data on the poles than we've had since.

  • @kenreeve6549
    @kenreeve6549 Рік тому +295

    Incredibly good ,no stupid gimmicks or loud music 10/10

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +22

      Thanks so much! Hopefully getting better as i go! I appreciate your support!

    • @JoeBamaSmokesCrack
      @JoeBamaSmokesCrack Рік тому +15

      Also, no ridiculous and nasally American accent

    • @DinoFuzz1988
      @DinoFuzz1988 Рік тому +3

      yes, amazing!! can't stand when things in the bg try to steal your attention.

    • @christophercunningham963
      @christophercunningham963 Рік тому +3

      YES!!!

    • @Jaggerbush
      @Jaggerbush Рік тому +4

      Oh you said it. I gave up on a couple of these bc of the music.

  • @Lakridza67
    @Lakridza67 5 місяців тому +28

    My grandmother was born into the Amundsen family. We inherited some things from the family. He was a great man. I am proud to bear the name Amundsen myself!

    • @parkviewmo
      @parkviewmo 3 місяці тому +3

      How wonderful to see your post! You should be rightly proud of your family member. It is good to know that you are still honoring his life and work!

    • @claudettedelphis6476
      @claudettedelphis6476 3 місяці тому +3

      Congratulations to your exceptional family, a treasure to the world.

    • @Killjoy_Mel
      @Killjoy_Mel Місяць тому

      Proud? You were born into the family, you have done nothing to bandy the name around as a badge of honour. Not saying it to be mean, but if you have family artifacts or even curiosity about natural exploration yourself, make your inherited name proud.

    • @Lakridza67
      @Lakridza67 Місяць тому

      @@Killjoy_Mel lol, thanx for the laughs

    • @Kujien
      @Kujien 19 днів тому

      @@Killjoy_Mel Your name is so fitting lmfao jesus dude

  • @johnnimbus8761
    @johnnimbus8761 Рік тому +21

    I live in Tasmania where there is a public sculpture of Amundsen and a street named after him in the capital Hobart.

    • @claudettedelphis6476
      @claudettedelphis6476 3 місяці тому

      So wonderful to honor such a great man who changed the world.

  • @allancrow134
    @allancrow134 Рік тому +117

    Amundsen's story is my favorite of all the turn-of-the-century polar explorers. What a life of adventure he lived. Legend.

  • @Half_Finis
    @Half_Finis Рік тому +101

    as a norwegian that was apperantly asleep in history class, thanks for this video it was amazing :)

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +7

      Glad you enjoyed it!

    • @paganpoetprophet6441
      @paganpoetprophet6441 10 місяців тому +2

      I know that feeling , was a good video indeed

    • @pabloperez4063
      @pabloperez4063 8 місяців тому

      We all wake up sooner or later

    • @srobertweiser
      @srobertweiser 7 місяців тому +1

      C'mon dude, I'm American and I'm familiar with Roald Amundsen. Although my grandpa's mom was from Norway. Fun fact: I've been told by more than one person who was into Norwegian black metal that I looked exactly like Varg Vikernes when he waged his campaign of terror.

    • @rolfjohansen5376
      @rolfjohansen5376 7 місяців тому

      @@srobertweiser
      What kind of music are you performing?
      - death metal !
      who is the singer?
      - he is dead

  • @prebenroll6074
    @prebenroll6074 Рік тому +102

    As most Norwegians I've always had a small sense of pride in the story of Amundsen.
    You just made that sense bigger!
    Thank you for a great documentary

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +7

      Glad you enjoyed it!

    • @cantfindmykeys
      @cantfindmykeys Рік тому +6

      Be proud of Thor Heyerdahl, too!

    • @freeagent8225
      @freeagent8225 Рік тому +7

      When I go skiing touring in Australia I always carry a Norwegian flag as I won't freeze to death in my tent..

    • @trevormiles5852
      @trevormiles5852 Рік тому +5

      Ashamed to say have not heard in depths of his exploits. Not too proud to say, i have learned something and will dig for more information. Thank you Heroes and Legends.

    • @freeagent8225
      @freeagent8225 Рік тому

      @@trevormiles5852 Dont visit Norway before more research. Lol.

  • @chriskeene241
    @chriskeene241 Рік тому +40

    As a child I remember vividly doing a school project on Robert falcon scott. I can always remember feeling that Amundsen had robbed Scott of the pole and felt he was an unsavoury character. Only later in life did I learn more about Amundsen and how great a man he was, I also learn a lot more about Scott and how he was a difficult character and quite a lier.
    I’m glad I learnt the truth.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +10

      I had the exact same experience at school, then i read Roland Huntford's book and saw the whole thing with fresh perspective. Hopefully in this video i was a little more balanced, but the evidence is definitely not kind to Scott

    • @chriskeene241
      @chriskeene241 Рік тому +3

      @@heroesandlegends my mentor was the head instructor at Scott base and he was calling Scott a complete lier.. he said that storms in Antartica only last three days as the constant high pressure over the pole always pushes the storms off very quickly. He has spent a lot of time down there probably more than anyone. It gave me an interest in learning more. Great documentary you made thank you

    • @chriskeene241
      @chriskeene241 Рік тому +2

      @@heroesandlegends sir Edmund Hillary is my hero of hero’s. Such a humble man I was even lucky enough to meet him a number of times. Have you done a documentary on him?

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +4

      No but thanks for the idea! So many heroes, so little time!

    • @chrissmith3509
      @chrissmith3509 Рік тому

      @@chriskeene241 Wasn't Hillary an H?

  • @mariemoulton6413
    @mariemoulton6413 Рік тому +52

    When visiting my relatives in Sweden. I took a train to Oslo and went to see the Fram ship and the ship that he sailed through the North West Passage. It was the highlight of my trip. This was a great documentary.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +3

      Thanks for sharing! Awesome!

    • @cattymajiv
      @cattymajiv 10 місяців тому +5

      I'd like to see that. In my hometown of Winnipeg Canada the museum has a lifesized replica of an old ship. I can hardly believe that even 1 person could survive on it. But it's pretty cool, and it's only a replica. The real Fram would be something!

    • @sommeone4582
      @sommeone4582 4 місяці тому

      @@cattymajivdefinitely worth the visit

  • @thebotformalityknownasdale2564
    @thebotformalityknownasdale2564 Рік тому +54

    I have a great deal of respect for any man who understands and values the knowledge and intelligence of the indigenous people with a blend of his Norwegian way of life that workes . Bravo sir where ever you are !

  • @vincentdevitt7685
    @vincentdevitt7685 Рік тому +9

    Brilliant ! Great that you mentioned the native People of the Northern regions who inspired Amundsen and bestowed their knowledge to him on how to dress , travel
    And survive in unforgiving conditions , to me they are the true Hero's !

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +1

      Absolutely! I couldn't agree more! Thanks so much for viewing my work and sharing your thoughts

    • @cattymajiv
      @cattymajiv 10 місяців тому +2

      It's tragic how those great people have been treated by their governments though, both the US and Canadian ones continue to neglect their needs, even if they have stopped the outrageous abuse they first subjected them to.

  • @janhanchenmichelsen2627
    @janhanchenmichelsen2627 Рік тому +84

    Fun family fact: My grandfather (b. 1903) was a chauffeur for shipowner Halvorsen. He drove Amundsen to the Bergen quay where he joined the Latham crew for his final expedition.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +16

      Wow, its incredible to connect with people all over the world and their stories, through making these videos! Thanks for sharing that, and i hope you enjoyed the video!

    • @janhanchenmichelsen2627
      @janhanchenmichelsen2627 Рік тому +5

      @@heroesandlegends I sure did. Some inaccuracies and misunderstandings, and the video coverage is definitely a bit strange here and there. But such a nice effort overall. And you understood that Amundsen never was an uncontroversial person in Norway. A flawed hero. But maybe you are too hard on Scott? There are multiple reasons for him doing what he did. He was a stubborn man who made major mistakes operating his miniature class society in Antarctica, but some newer research could indicate that the pendulum swinged too far to the other side when the historians finally decided to crack the Scott myth.

    • @srobertweiser
      @srobertweiser 7 місяців тому

      I went to school with a Halvorsen.

    • @srobertweiser
      @srobertweiser 7 місяців тому +3

      @@janhanchenmichelsen2627That's how those pendulums usually swing, don't they? From one extreme to the other.

    • @mimiwonder
      @mimiwonder 6 місяців тому

      Fun fact: no one cares.

  • @Magik1369
    @Magik1369 Рік тому +42

    Excellent documentary on Amundsen and his amazing achievements. Amundsen was superior to other explorers in that Amundsen understood the science of risk management. That is, he analyzed and planned for risk in advance and then mitigated the risks with multiple redundant risk mitigation strategies. This was Amundsen's advantage over the others.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +3

      Glad you enjoyed it!

    • @chirsbom337
      @chirsbom337 Рік тому +4

      Hjalmar Johansen might have had a word against that. Amundsens first attempt at the south pole almost ended in disaster, and he left his crew to fend for themself getting back to the cabin. He had been told by Johansen that it was too soon.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +4

      @@chirsbom337 Indeed. Huntford mentioned in his book that there was a bit of alpha male rivalry possibly unfolding in Framheim prior to the first attempt, with Johansen consistently trying to undermine Amundsen's leadership. As an outsider I can only conclude that Amundsen's treatment of Johansen was severe and excessive - including after the expedition, no doubt having an effect on Johansen's later tragic death. Was it pure jealousy and failure to admit his own moment of weakness, or a decisive action to prevent a mutiny, disharmony or collapse of order which might have had dire consequences for everyone? Certainly Amundsen had read much about prior British failures of command, and his own Belgian experience would have left a heavy impression too. The debate continues to this day. Thanks for posting. Others have raised the same issue and I'd be glad to read the perspective of Norwegians themselves too.

    • @Ihaaah
      @Ihaaah 9 місяців тому

      @@heroesandlegends

  • @TS-qd2uj
    @TS-qd2uj Рік тому +70

    An absolute must watch documentary on Amundsen. What a truly great explorer he was. Thank you for this fantastic documentary.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +2

      Thanks for your generous praise!

    • @Roylamx
      @Roylamx Рік тому +1

      I 100% agree! While I love winter sports, I don't like the cold! I don't even like to take a cold shower!!!! Very nice documentary, who is the narrator? Very well done!!!

  • @Volcano-Man
    @Volcano-Man Рік тому +19

    I have an original painting of Amundsen, Bjaaland, Hanson, Hassel and Wisting standing at the South Geographical Pole. Bjaland had skied all the way from Framheim to the Pole, '...To ensure the dogs had 'something to follow - me! ...', he then skied all the way back to Framheim. There again he was an Olympic skieer!

  • @stephenburnage7687
    @stephenburnage7687 10 місяців тому +26

    I was born in Britain and went to school in England, where we were taught how Scott was a hero and Amundsen had somehow cheated Scott of his prize that he deserved. Sometime later (in my 30's) I had the great privilege to live and work in Norway (learning to cross country ski while there) and then I got it! Amundsen and the Norwegians were the real deal, bought up on ski's and the snow from an early age - whereas Scott's team was bungling through, with misplaced Boys Own images of heroism. The Brit's of that generation should be ashamed for how they trashed Amundsen's reputation. Conversely, both in Norway and elsewhere, Shackleton is venerated as an extraordinary hero and yet he barely gets much recognition in the UK.

  • @Ihaaah
    @Ihaaah 9 місяців тому +18

    A deceased neighbor of mine, who had become well acquainted with Amundsen, he spoke very warmly of him, he said that Amundsen could have ruled the world, he had been the only one who had managed it. The neighbor was Nils Vollan, captain of Sjøliv, the seal catcher who saved Amundsen and his crew after the Latham expedition in 1925.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  9 місяців тому +2

      Thanks for sharing! I hope i did him justice!

  • @kezsovreign
    @kezsovreign 10 місяців тому +6

    In a league of his own! Much respect to Amundsen and Dr. Cook ❤

  • @relentlessrhythm2774
    @relentlessrhythm2774 Рік тому +20

    I'm so fascinated by anything to do with Antarctica! I even named my cat after Amundsen.

  • @kitrichardson2165
    @kitrichardson2165 Рік тому +50

    What a great story. It is funny how people romanticized Scott for his failure and in some ways gave him more respect and acknowledgment and somebody who actually prepared correctly and pulled off the achievement.
    Great story, just when you think you know it, somebody comes along like the people who did this video, and show you that the truth is never what it seems

    • @KentJohnson123
      @KentJohnson123 Рік тому +2

      The cover-up is still causing wrong-headed handling of things to this day I'm sure!

    • @donaldbraugh2314
      @donaldbraugh2314 Рік тому +2

      I believe most people thought Scott had different aims, little experience in Dog use and horrible weather along with bad luck due to the men who were siroter to meet him choose for various reasons not to come. He did use bad food for the journey, and that could be poor planning, but he did what he knew.

    • @cattymajiv
      @cattymajiv 10 місяців тому +1

      @@donaldbraugh2314 I don't under stand "siroter" is it a Norwegian word? Do you mean they were "supposed" to meet him?

    • @cattymajiv
      @cattymajiv 10 місяців тому +1

      Success or failure in those days were much more about luck than planning or skill. As has been said, Scott used the knowledge that existed then, due to the folly of all Europeans. They all had slipshod operations! So yeah, he made awful decisions, but it's not entirely his fault.

  • @joroche2948
    @joroche2948 Рік тому +15

    He was way ahead of his time I would have followed him wherever he went . Such an amazing man a true legend

  • @Nvwheeler
    @Nvwheeler 4 місяці тому +2

    I remember reading about Amundsen as a child. I was fascinated by his expeditions. Thank you for creating this wonderful documentary

  • @TheTrevelyansway
    @TheTrevelyansway 9 місяців тому +2

    Man in present accomplishes nothing in comparison but judges great explorers of history.

  • @GermanShepherd1983
    @GermanShepherd1983 Рік тому +26

    I've always laughed about the way the British try to portray Scott as some sort of hero. Scott just plain screwed up and killed his party.

    • @SueFerreira75
      @SueFerreira75 Рік тому +12

      When I was 9, in 1956, my school class was taken to the movie theatre in Gloucester, UK to see the film "Scott of the Antarctic", with the intention of imbuing us young uns with patriotic fervour and a dose of heroism. I remember sitting there watching the portrayal of Scott as the hero dragging ponies across the Antarctic ice and thinking "this man is an absolute fool".

    • @cattymajiv
      @cattymajiv 10 місяців тому +5

      @@SueFerreira75 That was my reaction as a Canadian kid too. Even I knew that horses are not suitable for that climate! Even Icelandic ponies would die, pretty much all at once, so that a lot of meat would be wasted as well.
      But then I've always seen the "Spirit Of Exploration" as a kind of craziness anyway. Pursuit of adventure is fine, but when it puts at risk the lives of others, and the security of families back home, then it's irresponsible as heck! IMHO it is indeed crazy.

    • @ladythalia227
      @ladythalia227 6 місяців тому +2

      Yeah. Scott’s problem was his massive hubris

  • @parkviewmo
    @parkviewmo 3 місяці тому +1

    These epiditions took place in my mother's childhood. I listened to her stories with a fascination at her excitement at these men's adventures, and hearing word of them on the radio. This documentary gives such a clear comparison of how the strategy used by each and humility of Admensen in listening to the people who lived under these extreme conditions. YOU are such a good storyteller, giving context and color in the script and real interest apparent in your voice that you have spoiled me for other documentaries. That you for a clear-eyed presentation and a well-told story!

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  3 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching! I really appreciate your generous comment!

  • @ciberbri59
    @ciberbri59 7 місяців тому +3

    The greatest arctic explorer of all time. So HARD on the unbounded British naval ego too.

    • @lucidrians2641
      @lucidrians2641 8 днів тому

      oh yeah we've only got, *checks notes* Captain Cook, a man who discovered more countries than anyone else in history and charted 1/3rd of the entire world. whatever will we do?

  • @brucegoodall3794
    @brucegoodall3794 Рік тому +3

    These brave and hearty men blow my mind! Makes me sad to see what men have become today.

  • @madzen112
    @madzen112 Рік тому +3

    Keep your Scott and Peary, Amundsen is the greatest!

  • @peterabild1123
    @peterabild1123 2 місяці тому +2

    One of the best documentaries on the subject.

  • @refuge42
    @refuge42 Рік тому +7

    This is a superb documentary on Admundsens life and accomplishments. Nicely balancing the credits due him from the British tendency to hoard the spotlight. I like the focus on the different management style and tactics he employed to achieve his goals over the British admiralty style with its well-known shortcomings posturing and bad decisions often made by uninformed pandering to the crown. I especially liked this documentaries system of adding information or corrections at the bottom of the page. I would like to have read some references to Shackleton's famous Endurance expedition and more comments on this last great age of exploration and the other characters of that age. This really is a first-rate documentary and I will share it and encourage people to watch it thank you so much for a job well done.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +1

      I'll get to Shackleton, don't worry! The Endurance expedition was later and so had no bearing on this project (goodness knows I already go down too many rabbit holes as it is!). WRT references, i have so little precious time to do these videos, and often find myself jumping from a book to a url, to a documentary, even wiki articles just to tie in the many details i need, so unlike my academic career, referencing would be chaotic and very time consuming. Where a particular book is of significance, i do mention it, or offer links to downloading originals on the H&L website where available, so do check out those resources that i think are of particular interest to viewers. Thanks so much for your generous comments. I appreciate your supporting my work.

    • @cattymajiv
      @cattymajiv 10 місяців тому +1

      It's just astounding that in spite of their stupidity the British still managed to "conquer the world", but the long term results have been just disastrous for the people and places involved. The amount of suffering caused by it, and by the Spanish, has been unbelievable! I am so ashamed of my ancestors! As today's Russians should be.

  • @louise_rose
    @louise_rose Рік тому +22

    Excellent approach, this digs beneath the surface of adventure to illuminate how the approach to voyages of exploration changed over time! The paradoxical role of the Royal Navy in both funding and manning many of these journeys *and* sometimes blocking the captains and explorers from making rational decisions, insistence on military rank and hierarchy etc (especially noticeable in Scott's last expedition) is rarely touched on like this in most books about polar exploration. :)
    Scott, Amundsen and Shackleton together make an intriguing trio, and the contrasts between them as leaders, managers and explorers help bring out both the challenges and the limitations of these decades of change from the Victorian to the modern age. Scott comes across as more hamstrung by the limitations and norms of Victorian Britain than the other two, he was also the one who had the most scientific commitments on board for his programme - while Amundsen went with only one goal: to reach the south pole as the first and then return back alive. Amundsen's planning was simpler, clearer and more determined....more modern in every way, and of course he and his men knew a lot more about snow, skiing and dogs than Scott's team. Nevertheless, he as well took serious risks - he was travelling with dogs through an uncharted territory, no one had any idea of the shape of the mountain range he would have to cross to get to the pole (what if it had been 6.000 metres tall?) or just how enduring the dogs were going to be. But no one died, and nothing in Amundsen's book about his journey suggests he thought they were likely to die. Things essentially went according to plan (it should be noted that his original plan had been for the North Pole, and refashioning it in mid step to fit a land journey down to the South Pole speaks volumes about his capacity as a careful and realistic planner!). After he returned home, he sometimes had the thankless task of fighting a dead man who was also a more powerful and evocative writer than himself.
    I'm from Sweden myself, so I've never been prone to underestimating Amundsen. He is obviously a Nordic hero, and he has always loomed as large to me as the other two (Shackleton 1914-16 is the most fascinating of these early Antarctic journeys in human terms, and I've known about it since I was like eight years old: it's also the one that was best photographed, thanks to that brilliant Australian guy). Arctic and Antarctic journeys remain absorbing right up to the present, for so many reasons...Many thanks for this powerful documentary!

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому

      Thanks for your generous feedback! I'm glad you found it adequately honoured this great explorer!

    • @louise_rose
      @louise_rose Рік тому

      @@heroesandlegends You're welcome! I can recommend Doris Lessing's essay about Scott and Amundsen, and the mental climate that seems to have surrounded Scott's expedition and ultimately led to a heroic failure - printed as a postscript to her novel "The Making of the Representative for Planet 8".

  • @giohenrik9071
    @giohenrik9071 Рік тому +5

    Fantastic documentary! Thank you for your appreciated efforts. The discovery and history channels should learn from this

  • @ronaldsmith4153
    @ronaldsmith4153 7 місяців тому +4

    I am in awe at well-organized the Amundsen expiditions were. Amundsen was a seasones arctic explorer and meticulous planner. He deserves a world of credit for his Antarctic expeditions succes.

  • @dickdorshorst5306
    @dickdorshorst5306 Рік тому +5

    The way this story is told is wonderfull .

  • @davidhewson1234
    @davidhewson1234 Рік тому +19

    Just love your documentary. These guys were tough, hard headed and corageous. Politicians fade into oblivion in comparison. Took another 30ish yrs to climb Everest. Thank you. Dave

  • @zaratustra00
    @zaratustra00 Рік тому +32

    High quality documentary! Thank you very much for taking your time to make it.

  • @BlueSky16161616
    @BlueSky16161616 Рік тому +2

    Excellent doc. Clear and concise.

  • @cateadie1
    @cateadie1 2 місяці тому +2

    Yes it’s just so interesting and well written-and being without any music is the reason why I can watch it till the end- far less exhausting!

  • @Arjen900
    @Arjen900 Рік тому +9

    Highly underrated documentary in terms of views. Hope you keep up these long uploads. Maybe the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz would interest you.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому

      Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks for your support !

  • @apollocobain8363
    @apollocobain8363 Місяць тому

    We know almost nothing about Henry Hudson -- his life, his motivations -- so Amundsen's story suggests realistic ways to fill in the gaps. Grateful for docs like this one that stick to the inspiring facts.

  • @douglasstemke2444
    @douglasstemke2444 Рік тому +3

    As a kid I was fascinated about the rare between Amundsen and Scott. Nice to get the detailed background.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому

      Glad i could help! A fascinating story to be sure! Thanks for watching!

  • @ute.fritzkowski
    @ute.fritzkowski 7 місяців тому +2

    Very good documentary. I read a lot about Amundsen, and I always admired his approach of being well prepared, learning and improving.

  • @tybaltyrant1
    @tybaltyrant1 Рік тому +4

    Keep making clear, collected, knowledgeable content like this and ... I hope you will explode on the algorithm. Have shared it on my Twitter. Aussie Asians are interested in non-biased history like this.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому

      We all have at least a bit of bias- the telling of history especially carries its fair share- me included. But if i can ask thoughtful questions, challenge some preconceptions, provoke some meaningful discussion, and occasionally get a bit cheeky, then at least I'll have a bit of fun and take people along for an interesting ride too. Thanks so much for being generous with your praise!

  • @hwplugburz
    @hwplugburz Рік тому +3

    One of my best friends is the greate-grand-daughter of Jørgen Stubberud who was Amundsens carpenter on the trip. He drew and prefabricated the framheim camp-hut, but also buildt Amundsens home at Svartskog Uranienborg just outside Oslo. This is where many of the sceenes in documentarys and films about Amundsen is filmed as it is now an open museum from April to September.
    We also got free entry when I took her to the Fram museum in Oslo some years ago (where the Gjøa is also now located).
    Polar exploration as been a favorite topic of mine for as long as I can remember, and I have read several books, seen every documentary film and drama series I`ve come across on the topic. Including modern norwegian polarexplorars journies to retrace theyr steps, (like Børge Ausland at Frans Josef land, and reinactments of the suothpole race that has been done). And also including UK imports of ducumentarys and series on Shacleton (a true hero). I`ve also read Amundsens own book on the southpole trip, and at the museum I came across a collected wersion of the entire crews diarys.
    You are exatly right ofc, about the clash of philosophies.
    This video is Exelent! 👍 I subscribed to your channel for it 😊 (there was even information here I was not awere of prior of the northwest passage trip)
    So Thank You 😊 for this exelent entertainment a -18,3 c wintersnight in Norway

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +2

      Wow, this is just one of the many wonderful reasons I love making these documentaries! Thanks so much for your generous comment and for sharing that amazing story! One question that has been circulating on these comment threads is the nature of Johansen's relationship to Amundsen. Was Amundsen jealous of his knowledge and reputation, or was Johansen really trying to sabotage Amundsen's leadership, necessitating the severe punishment he received. Its a tragic part of the story that everybody has opinions about, and it would appear to be a stain on Amundsen's character, but it would be helpful to hear the views of people closer to them both. Thanks for joining the discussion!

    • @hwplugburz
      @hwplugburz Рік тому +2

      @@heroesandlegends
      Thank you for replying 😊
      Yes, thats a wery interesting question for sure.
      My subjective opinion on the matter is that Johansen saw what he felt was a big crack in Amundsens leadership when he left him and Presterud behind to fend for them self on a sled Without a primus(heatingscoure), and therby left them in real danger of frostbite, hypotermia and theyr lifes. Johansen was after all the moest seasoned veteran, and what he and Nansen went thrue and survived on Frans Josel land was pritty insane. Presterud was the least experienced (if I remeber corret), and maybe Johansen jugded he would be done without his help?
      And his words : "you dont abandon your men", and "This was panic" makes me think Amundsen probebly made an error of jugdement out there in the cold.
      But again the condision was absolutely extreme at that point, so maybe he felt going back for them would put the entire expedision at risk.. idk.. (and i dont feel qualified to judge him from my armchere 112 years later.. )
      Amundsen was surtainly a proud man tho, and ofc he could not stand for such a challenge to his leadership. So he did what he did, (he must have loved writing letters and messages ). In modern psychology I guess they would call this rulership techniques.
      I do not think Johansen deliberatly wanted to sabotage Amundsens leadership... He had no reason to.
      I think he experienced a real bad deal out there in the ice, that made him see him in a new light and question him more.
      As for Amundsens jealousy, i have no idea or basis for speculation.. (could be, could be not..)
      PS; loved your Captain Cook and Magelan videos as well btw 😊👍

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +2

      Thanks for those insights- its great to fill in missing details when we can. I'm glad you're enjoying the channel!

  • @fringedwellermccatintyre730
    @fringedwellermccatintyre730 Рік тому +2

    Thoroughly engrossing! Thank you.

  • @lindamarsh6711
    @lindamarsh6711 Рік тому +6

    Well done. Thank you for bringing this biography to our attention. I quite enjoyed the honesty and refreshing truth about men who were driven by an all consuming need to discover the unknown. They don’t make them like they used to. The British seemed to have a need to waste humanity in their endeavours throughout history. They weren’t alone in this but surely proved it in the rush for the poles and in World Wars. Pride goes before the fall!

  • @perspellman
    @perspellman Рік тому +2

    Intelligence, respect and humility beats ignorance, arrogance and egotism.
    The vast contrasts between the approaches of the Norwegian and the British teamleaders for the South Pole expeditions are schoolbook examples in learning basic survival and how to make a better world.

  • @brucegoodall3794
    @brucegoodall3794 Рік тому +1

    This documentarian is the best 👌 of all I've ever seen heard. This channel is my favorite of all. I'm very happy It was presented to me by Google/UA-cam.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому

      Wow, thank you! I hope i can keep it up! I really appreciate your support!

  • @reginaldoppenheimer334
    @reginaldoppenheimer334 Рік тому +6

    Absolutely awesome documentary and what an accomplished fellow he was.

  • @grazzinoelindallas8295
    @grazzinoelindallas8295 7 місяців тому +2

    Thanks s'o much! Your clarifying and sympathetic rerendering of the scott tradgedy [for his men]-"Im just going outside, I may be some time"...

  • @cantfindmykeys
    @cantfindmykeys Рік тому +14

    Norwegians have a real spirit for adventure. Tough as nails and very determined. One of my heroes is Thor Heyerdahl so I'm interested in this Amundsen guy. He sounds like another resourceful and pioneering fellow. After this, will you consider a documentary about the voyage of the Kon Tiki expedition?

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +4

      So many heroes! maybe some time in the future.

    • @cantfindmykeys
      @cantfindmykeys Рік тому +1

      @@heroesandlegends Thanks.. Either way I love your channel. Cheers!

    • @richardm6208
      @richardm6208 10 місяців тому +2

      Highly recommend the book Amundsen and Scott: The Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford

    • @cantfindmykeys
      @cantfindmykeys 10 місяців тому

      @@richardm6208 Thanks!

    • @user-pt1ow8hx5l
      @user-pt1ow8hx5l 9 місяців тому

      Interesting you have picked up on Heyerdal. Care to elaborate?

  • @ane-louisestampe7939
    @ane-louisestampe7939 Рік тому +19

    What a pleasure to watch! Those times, when the ships were made of wood and the men of steel. Now it's the other way around 🙃
    Let me just add this:
    I have no doubt that Amundsen, unlike the rest of the world, knew of Carl Petersen.
    Carl was a Danish cooper living on the West Coast of. He worked as interpreter on 4 expeditions
    - William Penny 1850-51
    - Elisha Kanes 1853-55
    - Francis Leopold McClintock 1857
    - Isaac Israel Hayes 1860-1861
    And it's obvious to me that Amundsen had read his books: In 1857 his book about Penny's and Kane's expeditions came out, and in 1860 one about McClintock. He could read Danish, you see, not many can 😉
    Thanks for a great documentary

    • @chirsbom337
      @chirsbom337 Рік тому +3

      Most if not all scandinavians, plus icelandics, can read danish. We all, minus the icelandics, have more of a strong dialect than a separate language. The verbal is more different than the writing. The icelandics on the other hand still speak "viking".

    • @cattymajiv
      @cattymajiv 10 місяців тому +1

      As of July 18, 2023 Wikipedia has no listing for Peterson. Too bad! The do have a listing for a Carl Petersson though, with 2 S's. A different guy, but a fascinating one.

  • @howardking3601
    @howardking3601 Рік тому +7

    Knowing nothing of this history, I found it fascinating. How little did they teach us in school about things that were really important! Excellent, lucid presentation of Amundsen's life and times. What a man he was! God's hand was upon him, or he would never have survived so many dangers and hardships. Thank you, Heroes and Legends!

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for your generous praise! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

    • @michaelgallagher3640
      @michaelgallagher3640 Рік тому +3

      So this god pushed him through but his mighty hand slapped all the other explorers around like little Bitches...ok. It is very much rooted in what was learned down here on planet earth with trial & error & a bit of good old fashioned luck.

  • @freeagent8225
    @freeagent8225 Рік тому +4

    I worked my passage on the polar bus in 1992 from Tromso to Svalbad , had to camp for 18 days for the return. MS Norsel, a fine ship.

  • @butterfacemcgillicutty
    @butterfacemcgillicutty Рік тому +8

    Amazing video. These artic expeditions just had to be worse than exploring the moon. At least in space you're in a big suit that completely protects you. And living in the Lunar lander wasn't comfortable but had to be better than in a tent in the artic.
    Incredible video!

    • @refuge42
      @refuge42 Рік тому

      The Mercury, Gemini &Apollo astronauts would fit right in this age of exploration. The Apollo 13 especially given how close they came to not getting home

  • @GuyandJo
    @GuyandJo Рік тому +4

    Great documentary, a thorough and insightful appraisal of Amundsen’s life and showing the contrast of his expedition approach to the ill conceived, customary approach to polar exploration of the time. Many thanks.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому

      I greatly appreciate your generous review! Thanks for watching!

  • @rudywoodcraft9553
    @rudywoodcraft9553 Рік тому +6

    Magnificent video--I've read alot about Shackleton--Amundsen is indeed impressive!

  • @legopunk2655
    @legopunk2655 2 місяці тому +2

    Amundsen is so underrated. First to the south pole, likely first to the north pole, first to do both. Unlike everyone else he was smart enough to adopt the Inuit survival tactics and use dogs, which definitely led to his success at the south pole. I think Shackleton's story is just so unbelievably miraculous that his name alone outshined Amundsen's. At the end of the day though, Amundsen was BY FAR the most successful explorer of his era.

  • @andersestes
    @andersestes Рік тому +1

    I appreciate the research done her, wich is extensive. The narrative. The great speaking voice : clear, audible, paced. No disturbing music or sound effects.
    I rather watch your videos than BBC documents is, for theese reasons.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much. It makes all the hard work worthwhile to read such comments!

  • @jhuircalaf
    @jhuircalaf Рік тому +2

    Brillante trabajo, felicitaciones!!!

  • @chrisblester37
    @chrisblester37 Рік тому +2

    There is a brass head of him in the Canterbury new zealand museum. As a kid I grabbed his large noise. Now it's a thing every one does for good luck

  • @andersestes
    @andersestes Рік тому +2

    Great documentary. I call him a real hero and man's man. I'd pick him as a role model over any footballer or moviestar.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +1

      Thankyou- yes a real hero- flawed in many ways, and paid a heavy price because of it, but i think thats what makes him real, and worthy of admiration.

    • @andersestes
      @andersestes Рік тому +1

      @@heroesandlegends uncompromising. Relentless. Perfectionist. Yet, sensitivite,humble to learn.

    • @steverose3318
      @steverose3318 Рік тому

      Look in the mirror.
      There is your role model.
      Your hero.
      Now go forth with confidence.

  • @rachelandrews8255
    @rachelandrews8255 Рік тому +5

    Love the longer videos keep it up

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +3

      Glad you like them! Can't help myself- so many rabbit holes to go down! Thanks for your support of my channel!

  • @johanweakley2658
    @johanweakley2658 10 місяців тому +1

    Whst a fantastic documentary. Thanks for presenting such a professional and informative piece of history!

  • @krootmen
    @krootmen Рік тому +3

    Really love your work, i love the context you give in small, beautifully added tangents. it adds context that brings the info on the men to life. !!!!!

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому

      Glad you like them! Some do, some don't, but i personally love the rabbit holes, so i take you along with me.

  • @perhentzepetersen9310
    @perhentzepetersen9310 Рік тому +4

    Big difference between Amundsen and Scott. Amundsen was all about being WELL prepared. Leaving NOTHING to chance! Scott put all his heart and mind into it on top of guts and bravery, that is for sure. But Antartica does not care about that.........

  • @MackerelCat
    @MackerelCat 9 місяців тому +1

    You do such a great job illuminating the lives of these amazing historical figures. Thanks so much!

  • @Brutaga
    @Brutaga Рік тому +1

    Enthralling… Best documentary I’ve seen in a while.

  • @sealanderadventures
    @sealanderadventures Рік тому +3

    Very comprehensive and well done video about Amundsen. This video has the most details about famed explorer than any other UA-cam video.
    Thanks for creating informative content👍

  • @Philippe_III
    @Philippe_III 11 місяців тому +1

    Amazing man. Thanks for this documentary. Great work. At first I was confused with the introduction of film clips and different actors. All in all , I was very impressed and could not stop watching. I recommend it highly.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  11 місяців тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it! As an amateur, solo creator with limited resources I'm doing the best I can with what's out there. I appreciate your taking the time to watch and for such a generous comment

  • @studebaker4217
    @studebaker4217 Рік тому +3

    Excellent documentary, thank you. You share my dislike of the British Establishment of any era - and I'm English.

  • @lauragranger9813
    @lauragranger9813 Рік тому +7

    Really enjoyed that! Thanks for all the effort that clearly went into it. Just came up in recommendeds, already subscribed and certainly recommending. Can't wait to get stuck into the rest of the channel

  • @penduloustesticularis1202
    @penduloustesticularis1202 11 місяців тому +2

    Brilliantly well researched, presented and narrated documentary. Perfection. 👍

  • @ScottHaley12
    @ScottHaley12 Рік тому +1

    Once again...SUPERB presentation!!! Thank you.

  • @TheDroppedAnchor
    @TheDroppedAnchor Рік тому +8

    Born and raised less about a mile from the Gjoa long time resting place in San Francisco I find this video immensely interesting. I wish the citizens of my hometown had taken better care of her.
    Long live the Norse people.

  • @cbpaton53
    @cbpaton53 Рік тому +3

    Fram can be seen fully restored in the Fram museum in Oslo. An excellent exhibit, where the account of Åmundsen and Scotts expeditions are described.
    Excellent video, thanks :)
    Very small comment: Aamundsen (Åmundsen) is pronounced Ormundsen :)

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for the info! But us Aussies, we pronounce everything wrong! I think i got his first name reasonably accurate yes?

    • @cbpaton53
      @cbpaton53 Рік тому +2

      ... apologies, i was wrong.
      its Amundsen and not Åmundsen, so you were ok with the pronunciation :)
      A is pronounced Ah and Å is pronounced Or in Norwegian.
      Roald is Rowal.

  • @kissi7474
    @kissi7474 Рік тому +6

    Very well done, thoroughly enjoyed it! Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴

  • @lc285
    @lc285 3 місяці тому +1

    Great story of this man. Great storytelling telling it.

  • @corcaighrebel
    @corcaighrebel Рік тому +3

    Superb documentary, such a pleasure to watch.

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому

      Many thanks! It really means a lot to recieve such generous praise!

  • @thenorseman2804
    @thenorseman2804 6 місяців тому +1

    Wow! Finding such a quality documentary on youtube was surprising!

  • @adamwalker7726
    @adamwalker7726 Рік тому +1

    Excellent! My favorite history channel. 10/10

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому

      Wow, thanks! It means a lot to read that. I very much appreciate your support!

  • @AK.
    @AK. 9 місяців тому +2

    Amazing work! Very in depth, I learnt a lot. Such an inspiring story!

  • @christopherlynch4347
    @christopherlynch4347 9 місяців тому +1

    Well done, thorough and packed full of information.

  • @cypriano8763
    @cypriano8763 Рік тому +10

    amundsen was a smart, organized and determined dude. the greatest polar explorer by a mile. nansen was another true hero

    • @cantfindmykeys
      @cantfindmykeys Рік тому +1

      and Thor Heyerdahl. I love the story of Kon Tiki since I was a child.

  • @jron20r51
    @jron20r51 Рік тому +2

    Excellent video, many facts I did not know. The race to the south pole was always my fav adventure.

  • @timtrainor9720
    @timtrainor9720 Рік тому +2

    This is a "Top of the line" video, very well done, tyvm.

  • @LarsAndersenFrihed
    @LarsAndersenFrihed Рік тому +2

    Thanks!

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  Рік тому +1

      Welcome! Thankyou very much for your generous support!

  • @bitchslappedme
    @bitchslappedme 4 місяці тому +2

    The criticisms of Scott were exaggerated and sometimes out of context but I enjoyed the documentary. Thank you.

  • @Gribbo9999
    @Gribbo9999 Рік тому +2

    Thank you. Great summary of early polar exploration!

  • @certuv
    @certuv 7 місяців тому +2

    Very watchable , thank you

  • @sevengoblins
    @sevengoblins 7 місяців тому +1

    A great documentry. Thanks

  • @JohnThreeSixteen918
    @JohnThreeSixteen918 Місяць тому

    Excellent production. Thank you. I have longed for a good summary of the polar exploits. You delivered such in brilliant fashion without any hype or credence to erroneous British claims or pride. 👏

  • @normanvanrooy3113
    @normanvanrooy3113 Рік тому +3

    Wonderful adventure doc...hats off to you sir for a beautiful rendition of an amazing man and his intelligent vision for uncharted explorations into the most challenging regions of earth with a humility to accept the superior technologies of the native Inuit people who were looked down on by the more erudite and sophisticated experts. Bravo for a well crafted film.
    I could not find your name anywhere and chock that up to my poor computer search skills.

  • @perperson199
    @perperson199 Рік тому +2

    Your best documentary yet

  • @garmtpug
    @garmtpug Рік тому +2

    A thoroughly enjoyable video! Very well done and extremely interesting. Thank you!

  • @shaiaheyes2c41
    @shaiaheyes2c41 6 місяців тому +1

    Amazing! Thank you so much for making this documentary, love from Norway

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  6 місяців тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thankyou for watching!

  • @soothinglycool9806
    @soothinglycool9806 Рік тому +1

    Love it......came back fatter than when they left. Just awesome.

  • @W5nmwh50
    @W5nmwh50 6 місяців тому +1

    Excellent documentary. Thank you ❤

  • @kitko33
    @kitko33 6 місяців тому +2

    Outside the Angloshpere, the perception of Amundsen has always been very much different. I'm not Scandinavian but Scott vs Amundsen was simply the battle of ineptness and incompetence bordering on sheer stupidity vs professional heroism.

  • @treyhayden
    @treyhayden 5 місяців тому +1

    This should be shown in schools

    • @heroesandlegends
      @heroesandlegends  5 місяців тому

      Wow, thats very kind of you! Thanks for watching!