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.
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 !
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!!!
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 !
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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
@@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
@@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?
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!
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.
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!
@@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.
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
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.
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.
I feel like Dr Cook and the inuits who taught amundsen how to dogsled and sirvive in the arctic dont get any praise for their teachings without which roahld could have achieved nothing.
I am in awe at how well-organized the Amundsen expeditions were. Amundsen was a seasoned arctic explorer and meticulous planner. He deserves a world of credit for his Antarctic expeditions success.
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!
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.
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.
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".
@@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.
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
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.
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.
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/RUclips.
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 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".
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. 👏
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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. !!!!!
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
I watched a documentary on Scott before this one and the contrast is amazing. From the Scott POV: Amundsen was a dishonorable guy who just cared about being first, while Scott's group endured the hardship of doing the right thing (morally). Here: Scott was an idiot that lost the race and died I do find the resilience of Scott's party very admirable, but it does seem like they made things harder for themselves than necessary. It makes me wonder if it is realistically possible to be both resilient and smart, or whether the inherent stubbornness of resilience clashes with the flexibility needed to be smart.
Several commenters here have inferred it was some kind of national characteristic of the English, but I'd venture to say it was more likely just the time in history they found themselves - at the supreme apex as a global superpower and innovator, coupled with a long period of internal stability that gave them a natural superiority complex. Before this period, they were much more receptive to foreign ideas, flexibility and innovation.
Thank you. A fitting tribute to a great and rational achiever. Bravo for being objective about the unworthy English pretender and fabulist who doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the vicinity of the great Amundsen. Justice is finally being done.
All film sources used in this montage are listed in the end credits. As these videos are solo efforts put together over many long sleepless hours, mistakes are quite possible - corrections are most welcome and will be posted in an Erratum in the description section and below in this pinned comment. 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.
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.
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!
Very comprehensive and well done video about Amundsen. This video has the most details about famed explorer than any other RUclips video. Thanks for creating informative content👍
Grande programmazione, tante sofferenze, tante privazioni, la strategia dei cani che si rivelarono vincenti, perché la spedizione di Scott scelse i pony ma non erano adatti al cospetto dei ghiacci .Amundsen lo scopritore del Polo Sud morì nel ritrovare la spedizione di Umberto Nobile disperso al Polo Nord. Comunque altri tempi e uomini leggendari. Massimo da Sora ciociaria
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!
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
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.
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!
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.
Some interesting facts underlining the differences in style of leadership. Scott is always on the command, "presiding" position at the table. Aamundsen sits on the side of the table as everybody else, designating the central spot to the flag only.
Just as Amundsun ran rings around the poms, so does this docco run rings around the one on Scott. Very thorough, succinct, to the point, it is a great presentation on Amundsun's background, his personality and his thorough attention to detail. Also some really good info on historical background and other explorers, eg guys like Nansen, Franklin, and others.
As has been said its so refreshing that you didnt put invasive and distracting music. A very well put together and narrated documentary. Well done all involved 👏 subbed
Thanks! Its been a steep learning curve - many of my early videos have music that I added in an amateurish way. If you come across one, just check the description section for a link to a music free version that I subsequently uploaded.
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.
Incredibly good ,no stupid gimmicks or loud music 10/10
Thanks so much! Hopefully getting better as i go! I appreciate your support!
Also, no ridiculous and nasally American accent
yes, amazing!! can't stand when things in the bg try to steal your attention.
YES!!!
Oh you said it. I gave up on a couple of these bc of the music.
One of the best documentaries on the subject.
Thanks so much for your generous comment!
You bet!
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
Glad you enjoyed it!
Be proud of Thor Heyerdahl, too!
When I go skiing touring in Australia I always carry a Norwegian flag as I won't freeze to death in my tent..
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.
@@trevormiles5852 Dont visit Norway before more research. Lol.
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 !
grave
Amundsen's story is my favorite of all the turn-of-the-century polar explorers. What a life of adventure he lived. Legend.
1,900’s
Or 20th century
There are some individuals that are just made to break the mould😊
Shackletons story is way more badass. But yes amundsen showed the arrogant brits they had no idea what they were doing.
Not all of them were brits@@legitbeans9078
An absolute must watch documentary on Amundsen. What a truly great explorer he was. Thank you for this fantastic documentary.
Thanks for your generous praise!
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!!!
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 !
Absolutely! I couldn't agree more! Thanks so much for viewing my work and sharing your thoughts
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.
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!
Thanks for watching!
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.
Thanks for sharing! Awesome!
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!
@@cattymajivdefinitely worth the visit
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!
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!
Congratulations to your exceptional family, a treasure to the world.
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.
@@Killjoy_Mel lol, thanx for the laughs
@@Killjoy_Mel Your name is so fitting lmfao jesus dude
as a norwegian that was apperantly asleep in history class, thanks for this video it was amazing :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
I know that feeling , was a good video indeed
We all wake up sooner or later
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.
@@srobertweiser
What kind of music are you performing?
- death metal !
who is the singer?
- he is dead
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.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
@@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.
@@heroesandlegends
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.
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
@@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
@@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?
No but thanks for the idea! So many heroes, so little time!
@@chriskeene241 Wasn't Hillary an H?
I live in Tasmania where there is a public sculpture of Amundsen and a street named after him in the capital Hobart.
So wonderful to honor such a great man who changed the world.
I remember reading about Amundsen as a child. I was fascinated by his expeditions. Thank you for creating this wonderful documentary
Thanks so much for viewing!
Great story of this man. Great storytelling telling it.
Thanks for watching!
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!
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate your generous comment!
Well done. It is great to see Roald Amundsen get his due. He is, without question, the consummate polar explorer.
Thanks! I hope I've helped in my own small way to give him his due
Wow! Finding such a quality documentary on youtube was surprising!
Thanks for watching, and for your support!
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.
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!
@@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.
I went to school with a Halvorsen.
@@janhanchenmichelsen2627That's how those pendulums usually swing, don't they? From one extreme to the other.
Fun fact: no one cares.
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"...
A great documentry. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Excellent documentary. Thank you ❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
High quality documentary! Thank you very much for taking your time to make it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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
The cover-up is still causing wrong-headed handling of things to this day I'm sure!
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.
@@donaldbraugh2314 I don't under stand "siroter" is it a Norwegian word? Do you mean they were "supposed" to meet him?
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.
In a league of his own! Much respect to Amundsen and Dr. Cook ❤
I feel like Dr Cook and the inuits who taught amundsen how to dogsled and sirvive in the arctic dont get any praise for their teachings without which roahld could have achieved nothing.
I am in awe at how well-organized the Amundsen expeditions were. Amundsen was a seasoned arctic explorer and meticulous planner. He deserves a world of credit for his Antarctic expeditions success.
Thank you so much as well as all the people that only you know who make this available to EVERYONE.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic documentary! Thank you for your appreciated efforts. The discovery and history channels should learn from this
Wow, that's very generous! Thank you so much!
History channel is busy with Storage Wars and Pawn shop shown😂
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!
Excellent doc. Clear and concise.
Thank you kindly!
Very watchable , thank you
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Very good documentary. I read a lot about Amundsen, and I always admired his approach of being well prepared, learning and improving.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
Seems to be an unfortunate behaviour of the Brits. 😢
Ad a child in England I was taught that Scott was a great hero and Shackleton was a sideshow. This video has put me straight
Thoroughly engrossing! Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
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.
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".
@@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.
Yeah. Scott’s problem was his massive hubris
Absolutely awesome documentary and what an accomplished fellow he was.
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
Thanks! Appreciate the support!
Enthralling… Best documentary I’ve seen in a while.
Thankyou!
You are such a good storyteller! I feel happy and sad when your stories end.
Thank you so much!
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.
Thanks for sharing! I hope i did him justice!
Excellent documentary!!! I am an Amundsen, however no relation that I am aware of
This should be shown in schools
Wow, thats very kind of you! Thanks for watching!
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.
I greatly appreciate your generous review! Thanks for watching!
Brilliant stuff really enjoyed it many thanks
Great work
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!
You do such a great job illuminating the lives of these amazing historical figures. Thanks so much!
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!
I was turned onto Shackleton and then Amundsen came up. This was great! Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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/RUclips.
Wow, thank you! I hope i can keep it up! I really appreciate your support!
Whst a fantastic documentary. Thanks for presenting such a professional and informative piece of history!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Once again...SUPERB presentation!!! Thank you.
Thank you for watching!
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!
Thanks for your generous feedback! I'm glad you found it adequately honoured this great explorer!
@@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".
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. 👏
Thanks for watching and for your support!
Amazing! Thank you so much for making this documentary, love from Norway
Glad you enjoyed it! Thankyou for watching!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
"Why do it the easy way when you can do it the British way" best quote I heard all week! 1:05:20
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!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliantly well researched, presented and narrated documentary. Perfection. 👍
Wow, thanks for such a generous comment!
Well done, thorough and packed full of information.
Much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed it!
Man in present accomplishes nothing in comparison but judges great explorers of history.
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.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much. It makes all the hard work worthwhile to read such comments!
Excellent! My favorite history channel. 10/10
Wow, thanks! It means a lot to read that. I very much appreciate your support!
I'm so fascinated by anything to do with Antarctica! I even named my cat after Amundsen.
That made me laugh. Too bad my cat already has a name 😉😅
Amazing work! Very in depth, I learnt a lot. Such an inspiring story!
Glad you enjoyed it!
He was way ahead of his time I would have followed him wherever he went . Such an amazing man a true legend
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. !!!!!
Glad you like them! Some do, some don't, but i personally love the rabbit holes, so i take you along with me.
Superb documentary, such a pleasure to watch.
Many thanks! It really means a lot to recieve such generous praise!
Brillante trabajo, felicitaciones!!!
Muchas gracias!
Fine job!!!! Excellent research and entertainment storytelling, congrats !
Thanks for watching!
A thoroughly enjoyable video! Very well done and extremely interesting. Thank you!
Thank you so much! It means a lot to read that!
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
Awesome, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
I watched a documentary on Scott before this one and the contrast is amazing.
From the Scott POV: Amundsen was a dishonorable guy who just cared about being first, while Scott's group endured the hardship of doing the right thing (morally).
Here: Scott was an idiot that lost the race and died
I do find the resilience of Scott's party very admirable, but it does seem like they made things harder for themselves than necessary. It makes me wonder if it is realistically possible to be both resilient and smart, or whether the inherent stubbornness of resilience clashes with the flexibility needed to be smart.
Several commenters here have inferred it was some kind of national characteristic of the English, but I'd venture to say it was more likely just the time in history they found themselves - at the supreme apex as a global superpower and innovator, coupled with a long period of internal stability that gave them a natural superiority complex. Before this period, they were much more receptive to foreign ideas, flexibility and innovation.
Very well done, thoroughly enjoyed it! Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴
Thank you very much!
Love the longer videos keep it up
Glad you like them! Can't help myself- so many rabbit holes to go down! Thanks for your support of my channel!
Magnificent video--I've read alot about Shackleton--Amundsen is indeed impressive!
Glad you enjoyed it!
These brave and hearty men blow my mind! Makes me sad to see what men have become today.
Thank you. A fitting tribute to a great and rational achiever. Bravo for being objective about the unworthy English pretender and fabulist who doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the vicinity of the great Amundsen. Justice is finally being done.
This is a "Top of the line" video, very well done, tyvm.
Thanks!
All film sources used in this montage are listed in the end credits. As these videos are solo efforts put together over many long sleepless hours, mistakes are quite possible - corrections are most welcome and will be posted in an Erratum in the description section and below in this pinned comment.
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.
Shackleton c'mon man seriously
@@greg4767 Or Mawson. Reading his journal at the moment. I wonder if some of them had survivors guilt after what they went through
As a kid I was fascinated about the rare between Amundsen and Scott. Nice to get the detailed background.
Glad i could help! A fascinating story to be sure! Thanks for watching!
Highly underrated documentary in terms of views. Hope you keep up these long uploads. Maybe the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz would interest you.
Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks for your support !
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.
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!
Your best documentary yet
Thanks so much for your support!
Thank you. Great summary of early polar exploration!
Glad you liked it!
Very comprehensive and well done video about Amundsen. This video has the most details about famed explorer than any other RUclips video.
Thanks for creating informative content👍
Wow, thank you! I appreciate your generous comment!
Grande programmazione, tante sofferenze, tante privazioni, la strategia dei cani che si rivelarono vincenti, perché la spedizione di Scott scelse i pony ma non erano adatti al cospetto dei ghiacci .Amundsen lo scopritore del Polo Sud morì nel ritrovare la spedizione di Umberto Nobile disperso al Polo Nord. Comunque altri tempi e uomini leggendari. Massimo da Sora ciociaria
Grazie!
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!
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
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.
Agreed! Thanks for watching!
Mos Excellent!
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!
Thanks for your generous praise! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
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.
Love u Great Great Uncle Roald- thank u for your contributions not only to the world but our family.
I hope I honoured his memory. Thanks for watching!
@@heroesandlegends You did awesome my friend, Really one of the best I've seen on him I really enjoyed it. Thank you for real!
Some interesting facts underlining the differences in style of leadership.
Scott is always on the command, "presiding" position at the table.
Aamundsen sits on the side of the table as everybody else, designating the central spot to the flag only.
Great observation! Thanks for watching!
Just as Amundsun ran rings around the poms, so does this docco run rings around the one on Scott. Very thorough, succinct, to the point, it is a great presentation on Amundsun's background, his personality and his thorough attention to detail. Also some really good info on historical background and other explorers, eg guys like Nansen, Franklin, and others.
Thank you for your generous review!
Fantastic story telling. This was my third of your videos, terrific narration and excellent use of visuals. Nice to hear an Aussie slant on history.
Thank you very much! It means a lot to get such generous feedback!
Excellent documentary on a fascinating topic.
Thanks so much for your generous support! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent video, many facts I did not know. The race to the south pole was always my fav adventure.
Glad you enjoyed it!
As has been said its so refreshing that you didnt put invasive and distracting music. A very well put together and narrated documentary. Well done all involved 👏 subbed
Thanks! Its been a steep learning curve - many of my early videos have music that I added in an amateurish way. If you come across one, just check the description section for a link to a music free version that I subsequently uploaded.
Keep your Scott and Peary, Amundsen is the greatest!
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.