PDF Summary:Erebus, by Michael Palin

Michael Palin's account chronicles the construction, modifications, and historic voyages of the ship Erebus, from its origins as a warship to its doomed role in Sir John Franklin's fateful 1845 expedition to navigate the Northwest Passage. The account provides an in-depth look at the rigorous planning, scientific objectives, and imperial aspirations that fueled the expedition, as well as a gripping account of the crew's resilience amid harsh Arctic conditions and the expedition's tragic end.

Through the lens of the Erebus and its sister ship Terror, the book examines the mysteries surrounding the expedition's disappearance and the search efforts that ensued. The recent discovery of the shipwrecks has allowed experts to gain invaluable insight into the realities faced by the crews and the wider historical and cultural legacy of these voyages.

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The primary objective of Franklin's voyage was to carry out scientific research, particularly to study the magnetic characteristics of the Earth.

The Admiralty's instructions for the Franklin expedition highlighted the critical need to collect a wide range of scientific information, with a particular focus on documenting the behavior of geomagnetic phenomena globally.

In his book, Palin emphasizes that, alongside its main goal of finding a navigable route through the Northwest Passage, the Franklin expedition was also charged with conducting substantial scientific studies, particularly focusing on the study of the Earth's magnetic field, known at the time as terrestrial magnetism. Grasping the planet's geomagnetic characteristics was crucial for navigation, particularly in the polar regions where depending on a compass could be unreliable. Grasping the worldwide differences in magnetic phenomena was considered essential for advancing scientific knowledge and improving navigational accuracy.

The quest to understand the Earth's geomagnetic forces, often dubbed the "Magnetic Crusade," highlighted the growing importance of mastering these natural phenomena to improve navigation methods and advance scientific knowledge.

The author characterizes the project as an effort spearheaded by experts and naval officials like Edward Sabine, who argued that Britain's expansive maritime supremacy made it uniquely suited to collect information and knowledge from around the world. The broader cultural movement aimed to systematically comprehend and articulate the workings of nature through rational and empirical principles, as part of its quest for understanding.

The United Kingdom aimed to expand its dominion into the polar territories.

The expedition led by Franklin was seen as an opportunity to reinforce Britain's supremacy and to declare its control over the farthest northern areas, potentially leading to the establishment of new settlements, economic ventures, and commercial routes.

Michael Palin suggests that apart from the apparent reasons, Franklin's expedition was also driven by the United Kingdom's desire to extend its imperial influence into polar regions. In the era of expanding British maritime dominance, there was an urgent need to discover and exploit resources in areas that remained unexplored. Navigating the Northwest Passage successfully might create new trade routes, reducing reliance on the long and sometimes perilous sea voyages that bypass the southern tip of South America.

The possibility of uncovering new information, along with the concern that other countries might assert their dominance first, instilled a competitive spirit in the endeavor, driven by a desire for national preeminence.

The search for the source of whale oil, a vital resource prior to the rise of petroleum, escalated this endeavor. The story depicts how the intensity of imperial competition manifested as explorers ventured into polar regions, staking claims on territories, naming geographical landmarks, and formally annexing these remote territories in the name of Queen Victoria.

The development, progression, and eventual outcome of the doomed Franklin expedition.

The initial preparations and foundational work were orchestrated by Franklin.

Sir John Franklin, an experienced Arctic explorer, commanded the expedition, which was equipped with the era's most sophisticated technology and abundant provisions for an extended journey.

The author highlights the controversial decision to appoint Sir John Franklin, a seasoned Arctic explorer with two previous expeditions under his belt, as the commander of the journey. Concerns were raised about his age and recent lack of leadership roles, as well as how his wife's ambitions might have influenced his choice. Palin elaborates on the thorough outfitting of the vessels Erebus and Terror, highlighting the integration of steam power and the meticulous gathering of provisions required to sustain a crew of 129 men for the anticipated length of the years-long journey.

The expedition's officers were chosen with great care, combining experienced Arctic explorers with promising young naval officers.

He underscores the careful selection procedure for the expedition's commander, pointing out the tension between those favoring experienced proficiency and those supporting the enthusiasm and ambition of younger aspirants. The individuals, already familiar with each other from past voyages, are brought to life through descriptions of their appearance, behavior, and daily practices, as depicted in letters to relatives and a unique collection of daguerreotype photographs, with the financial backing of the esteemed Lady Franklin.

The initial progress and challenges faced by the explorers of the Franklin Expedition.

The last sighting of the Erebus and Terror by whalers occurred near Greenland's coast in July 1845, after they had completed their crossing of the Atlantic.

Michael Palin narrates the outset of the journey, highlighting the challenges faced because of the North Atlantic's rough seas and unpredictable weather. At the outset of their journey, the enthusiasm and sense of fellowship among the crew members were evident in the letters that Fitzjames and his fellow junior officers wrote back home, where they characterized the experience as fresh and energizing. In July 1845, the ships Erebus and Terror set sail towards Baffin Bay, pausing briefly at the Danish trading outpost in Disko Bay on the western coast of Greenland to gather their final supplies and provisions.

In September 1846, the ship became trapped in the thick Arctic ice close to King William Island, which made steering difficult.

The writers offer a detailed description of the last known occurrences of the expedition, derived from records and messages sent to London by other ships that encountered them in the summer of 1845. Initially, the expedition progressed without hindrance toward an entry point leading them into the renowned sea route called the Northwest Passage. Then, ominously, all contact ceased.

The ultimate fate of Franklin's voyage.

Franklin met his end in June 1847, following nearly two years of being trapped by ice, and the remaining crew abandoned the ships in April 1848 to venture towards the Canadian mainland.

The author documents the transition from initial rescue efforts to subsequent explorations aimed at determining what happened to the disappeared members of the Franklin Expedition. Jane Franklin's steadfast support was crucial in continuing the mission to honor the memory of her husband. Michael Palin recounts a tragic tale that began when graves were discovered on Beechey Island in 1850, a discovery that pointed to premature fatalities but offered no insight into their ultimate fate.

The fate of the expedition remained a mystery for over a decade until, with the assistance of the Inuit, search parties discovered the tragic fate of Franklin's crew, who perished due to starvation, sickness, and the brutal environment.

The author subsequently elaborates on the bleak discoveries from the 1850s that revealed the likely fate of Franklin and his team. The recovery of a message left by Fitzjames at Victory Point in 1859 offered the first hints of disaster, confirming Franklin's death and indicating that the remaining crew abandoned their ships in April 1848, attempting to reach the Canadian mainland on foot. In 1854, John Rae gathered accounts from the Inuit close to where Back's Fish River expedition was last seen, which suggested that the surviving members of the crew fell victim to starvation, illness, and possibly resorted to cannibalism. In 1859, Lieutenant William Hobson of the Fox confirmed the fate of the expedition when he discovered the revised Victory Point note, a boat filled with provisions, and bones, which unequivocally established that all members of Franklin's expedition had succumbed.

The expedition's lasting impact on human history and its continual significance.

The crew members aboard the Erebus and Terror encountered constant challenges and persevered through many hardships.

The crew of the expedition endured extreme cold, constant dangers to their survival and health, as well as prolonged isolation and limited mobility.

The writer masterfully portrays what it was like to be part of a 19th-century journey to the poles. In sharp opposition to the lofty goals held by the sponsors and commanders of the journey, he vividly portrays the grim reality of everyday life, highlighting the monotonous daily tasks on the vessel, the dangers and obstacles encountered while navigating through thick ice, surviving the intense chill and endless darkness of the polar winters, and coping with the monotony of being trapped for long durations in tight spaces with limited personal room and minimal opportunities for amusement.

The ongoing struggle to maintain order, well-being, and team spirit often manifested in instances of desertion, disciplinary measures, and personal disputes.

The narrative explores how the crew's resilience was tested by the harsh conditions, both psychologically and physically, and juxtaposes Captain Hayes' rigid enforcement of discipline with the more congenial but ultimately less effective focus on camaraderie that Franklin espoused. The narrative depicts existence aboard the ship as a multifaceted blend of rigid order, occasional absences without leave, structured recreational and scholarly activities, along with lively observances of the New Year, all underscored by the fundamental imperative of survival.

The journey had a profound impact on the mental and emotional health of the participants.

The crew and leaders aboard the ship were forced to confront the harsh reality of their dire circumstances, which included shattered dreams and the ever-present shadow of death.

The author conveys that the mental toll taken by exploration is just as substantial as the physical demands. The realization that the ships Erebus and Terror did not meet anticipated speed and durability was a significant setback, particularly following the thorough preparations and the assertive declarations by the leaders of the voyage. The relentless Antarctic environment, along with the inevitable proximity and limited personal space aboard the ship, probably exacerbated the crew's stress, a stark contrast to the dependable journeys they were accustomed to under the clear skies of the Mediterranean.

The extended period away from loved ones, coupled with the catastrophic results of Franklin's expedition, inflicted considerable mental and emotional strain.

The author highlights the sentiments captured by those who stayed behind, as chronicled in official documents, personal diaries, and correspondence: the anxiety over mail that was either not received or not sent, the excitement upon recognizing a familiar name on a passing vessel, and the marking of significant personal milestones related to loved ones, all intensifying into a deep sense of loss upon learning of the ill-fated conclusion of Franklin's journey.

The lasting importance and impact originate from the expeditions undertaken by the Erebus and Terror.

The ill-fated journey of Franklin, along with the subsequent search efforts, captivated audiences in Britain and Canada, transforming the fate of the ships and their crew into an enduring mystery and symbol.

Palin highlights the profound impact that the disappearance of Franklin and his crew in 1845 had, affecting not only those directly involved but also raising the global consciousness of individuals and countries. During an era captivated by the exploration of unknown lands, the journey ignited deep sorrow and contemplation throughout Britain. The country, once thought to be impervious, was deeply shaken by the mysterious vanishing of a well-supplied and fully outfitted expedition, a mystery that remained unresolved for many years and kept many people in a perpetual state of confusion.

These voyages expanded our understanding by uncovering previously unknown geographic elements, thereby greatly advancing the wider exploration of the Arctic region.

Lady Franklin's unwavering resolve to locate the missing Franklin expedition captivated the public like never before. Their bravery, dedication, and capacity to withstand formidable obstacles were honored and commemorated in the form of songs, theatrical pantomimes, and elaborate dioramas. Franklin and his team embodied the quintessential British qualities of courage, dedication, and steadfastness. The disappearance of the crew members resonated deeply across Canada. The voyage was instrumental in the formation of a new country, as it united colonists and indigenous peoples towards a common objective.

The examination and analysis of the Erebus are framed within a broader scope of historical and academic significance.

The prolonged quest to locate the remnants of the Erebus and Terror.

Throughout the years, numerous explorers and groups have pieced together evidence to solve the enigma of what ultimately befell the Franklin expedition, thereby completing the story of the ships and their crews.

Palin emphasizes the relentless pursuit to understand the ultimate outcome of the Erebus and Terror, spotlighting the continuous attempts to unravel their final destiny. Explorers and researchers, resolute in their quest to unravel the mystery, persisted in their inquiries by gathering insights from the narratives of the Inuit, conducting thorough analyses of maps and documents, and following the last confirmed paths, even after the cessation of the formal naval search efforts. In 1984, the discovery of remnants on Beechey Island shed new light on the possible causes of the crew members' demise.

The discovery of the Erebus in 2014 and the Terror in 2016 greatly propelled the efforts to unravel the ultimate destiny of these vessels.

The book details the intensified efforts of the Canadian government, which employed sophisticated deep-scanning sonar technology and unmanned submersibles, culminating in the remarkable discovery of Erebus in 2014 and subsequently its sister ship, Terror, in 2016.

The ongoing scrutiny of the naval disasters associated with Erebus and Terror remains of significant consequence.

The exceptional condition of the shipwrecks provides historians and archaeologists with an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the voyage, its operations, and the experiences endured by the sailors.

Palin underscores in his final observations the importance of locating the wrecks of Erebus and Terror, providing a definitive close to the story and an exceptional opportunity to reevaluate the calamitous occurrences of Franklin's journey through the Arctic, now informed by new evidence. A thorough analysis of the ships and their cargo provides insight into the daily activities aboard, how the Arctic conditions affected these vessels, and the main reasons for their ultimate fates.

The exploration of these submerged ships and their artifacts enhances our grasp of the historical context, shedding light on the broader cultural, technological, and scientific environment characteristic of the 19th-century expeditions into the Arctic.

The unearthing of these maritime ruins provides a chance to revisit the historical account, acknowledging the pivotal contributions of the native Inuit community alongside those of the European adventurers. Through the diligent work of historians and the thorough research carried out by experts in underwater exploration, we are now able to piece together a comprehensive understanding of these ships, their achievements, and their enduring importance in the annals of history.