# The First Ascent of the Matterhorn explained — Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69

> Chapter companion for Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 by Edward Whymper.

## What happens

Whymper and his party successfully make the first ascent of the Matterhorn on July 14, 1865, after a relatively easy climb from the Swiss side. They reach the summit, plant a flag, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Alps, but the triumph is shadowed by the disappointment of the Italian party led by Carrel, who had long sought the ascent from the Italian side. The chapter ends with the beginning of the descent, foreshadowing the subsequent disaster.

## Themes in this chapter

### Conquest and Perseverance

The successful ascent represents the triumph of human will over a previously unconquered peak, contrasting with Carrel's long but ultimately unsuccessful pursuit.

### Exploration and Discovery

The chapter details the discovery of a feasible route up the Matterhorn's eastern face and the awe-inspiring panoramic view from the summit.

### Companionship and Trust

The camaraderie among the climbers is evident in their shared camp, songs, and coordinated efforts, as well as Whymper's respect for Carrel.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Whymper

Leader of the expedition, describes the ascent and the emotional moment of reaching the summit.

### Michel Croz

Key guide who plants the flag on the summit and assists in the ascent.

### Peter Taugwalder

Old Peter, guide who accompanied the party with his sons.

### Lord Francis Douglas

Member of the climbing party, present on the summit.

### Rev. Charles Hudson

Member of the climbing party, helped make tea in camp.

### Jean-Antoine Carrel

Leader of the Italian party, seen from the summit; Whymper acknowledges his lifelong ambition.

## Key lines

> We remained on the summit for one hour⁠— “One crowded hour of glorious life.”

They spent a single, intensely fulfilling hour at the top.

_Whymper quotes a line to express the profound experience of the summit._

> Still, I would that the leader of that party could have stood with us at that moment, for our victorious shouts conveyed to him the disappointment of the ambition of a lifetime.

Whymper wished Carrel could have shared the summit, knowing his shouts signaled Carrel's failed lifelong dream.

_Reflects Whymper's empathy for Carrel's dedication and loss._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xxi-the-first-ascent-of-the-matterhorn
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters