Mallory and Irvine: Should we solve Everest's mystery?

Gerald · 10-03-11, 02:16 PM

The mystery of whether two British adventurers were the first to reach Everest's summit has long intrigued the public. But do we really want to know the truth?

As a tale of doomed, romantic endeavour, it has endured for decades.

It is also Everest's most persistent mystery - did George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine make it to the top in 1924, almost 30 years before it was officially conquered?

The pair, equipped with primitive climbing gear, were last sighted a few hundred metres away from the summit before bad weather closed in around them.

Wearing Burberry gabardine jackets and hobnail boots, and carrying a rudimentary oxygen supply, their gear was a far cry from the hi-tech protective clothing worn by modern mountaineers.

And historians have long argued whether or not they made it to the peak before succumbing to the freezing conditions.

A forthcoming expedition to Everest aiming to establish what exactly happened is just the latest in a series of attempts to solve the puzzle. But despite the continued speculation, many of those with a stake in the mystery hope it will never be resolved, fearing the prosaic truth could never match the legend.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15123551

Note: 3 October 2011 Last updated at 11:38 GMT

Betonov · 10-03-11, 02:39 PM

It would be interesting to know who was first on top.

But it wouldn't change anything, first to conquer means first to get to the top and back alive

Sailor Steve · 10-03-11, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betonov

It would be interesting to know who was first on top.

But it wouldn't change anything, first to conquer means first to get to the top and back alive

Exactly what I was going to say. I guess that means you were the first to point it out and get back alive.

For now...

Betonov · 10-03-11, 02:41 PM

Well, even Hillary had a sherpa with him to the top

Sailor Steve · 10-03-11, 02:44 PM

That's true. Kind of makes you wonder how many sherpas were there before.

Gerald · 10-03-11, 02:47 PM

Many, I think.

10-03-11, 02:16 PM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Mallory and Irvine: Should we solve Everest's mystery? The mystery of whether two British adventurers were the first to reach Everest's summit has long intrigued the public. But do we really want to know the truth? As a tale of doomed, romantic endeavour, it has endured for decades. It is also Everest's most persistent mystery - did George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine make it to the top in 1924, almost 30 years before it was officially conquered? The pair, equipped with primitive climbing gear, were last sighted a few hundred metres away from the summit before bad weather closed in around them. Wearing Burberry gabardine jackets and hobnail boots, and carrying a rudimentary oxygen supply, their gear was a far cry from the hi-tech protective clothing worn by modern mountaineers. And historians have long argued whether or not they made it to the peak before succumbing to the freezing conditions. A forthcoming expedition to Everest aiming to establish what exactly happened is just the latest in a series of attempts to solve the puzzle. But despite the continued speculation, many of those with a stake in the mystery hope it will never be resolved, fearing the prosaic truth could never match the legend. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15123551 Note: 3 October 2011 Last updated at 11:38 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

10-03-11, 02:44 PM	#5
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	That's true. Kind of makes you wonder how many sherpas were there before. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

10-03-11, 02:47 PM	#6
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Many, I think. __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

10-03-11, 02:39 PM	#2
Betonov Navy Seal Join Date: May 2009 Location: Slovenia Posts: 8,647 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	It would be interesting to know who was first on top. But it wouldn't change anything, first to conquer means first to get to the top and back alive

10-03-11, 02:41 PM	#4
Betonov Navy Seal Join Date: May 2009 Location: Slovenia Posts: 8,647 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	Well, even Hillary had a sherpa with him to the top