Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 · Chapter
Struck by Lightning Upon the Matterhorn explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. R. B. Heathcote recounts his 1869 ascent of the Matterhorn via the southern route, during which he and his party were struck by lightning near the summit. The group descended safely but suffered various injuries from the electrical discharge.
Themes in this chapter
Danger and Mortality
The party's close encounter with lightning on the Matterhorn highlights the ever-present mortal dangers of alpine climbing.
Human vs. Nature
The climbers' struggle against a sudden electrical storm demonstrates the power of nature over human endeavor.
Characters to notice
- Peter Perrn
Suffered a long sore on his arm and a swollen, weak leg after being struck by lightning.
- Peter Taugwalder
Led the descent and sustained a slightly swollen leg from the lightning strike.
- Jos. Maquignaz
Was struck on the back and neck, resulting in significant swelling on both sides of his neck.
- Mr. R. B. Heathcote
The narrator and leader of the party; received a sharp blow on the leg and a shock to the right arm from the lightning.
Key passages
“On July 30, 1869 , in company with Peter Perrn, Peter Taugwalder junior, and Jos. Maquignaz, I commenced the ascent.”
On July 30, 1869, I began the climb with Peter Perrn, Peter Taugwalder junior, and Jos. Maquignaz.
Sets the date and party for the ascent.
“When very near to the summit an extremely loud thunderclap was heard, and we thought it prudent to descend.”
Close to the top, a deafening thunderclap prompted us to descend for safety.
Describes the immediate reaction to the storm.
“I received a sharp, stinging blow on the leg, and thought, at first, that a stone had been dislodged; but a loud thunderclap at once told me what it was.”
A sharp sting on my leg initially seemed like a falling rock, but the thunder revealed it was lightning.
Heathcote's realization that he was struck by lightning.
“On arriving at the cabane I found that Perrn had a long sore on his arm; next morning his leg was much swollen and very weak.”
At the hut, Perrn had a long sore on his arm, and by morning his leg was swollen and weak.
Details the injuries sustained by Perrn.