| Early Alpine Images 3 |
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Edward Whymper on The Matterhorn 14,691 ft 1865 "There seemed to be a cordon drawn around it, up to which one might go, but no farther. Within that invisible line gins [Djinns: invisible beings made of fire (Koran), capable of taking human form with the same beliefs and biases as humans] and effreets [Afreets: powerful demons (Koran)]were supposed to exist - the wandering Jew [Legendary character who derided Christ on the way to Calvary, and was condemned to walk the Earth until the Second Coming] and the spirits of the damned. The superstitious natives in the surrounding valleys (many of whom firmly believed it to be not only the highest mountain in the Alps but in the world) spoke of a ruined city on its summit wherein the spirits dwelt; and if you laughed, they gravely shook their heads; told you to look yourself to see the castles and walls, and warned you against rash approach, lest the infuriate demons from their impregnable heights might hurl down vengeance for one's derision." |
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 Whymper's "Blanket-Bag" |
 Whymper's Alpine Tent |
 Whymper's Tent Bearer |
 Fog-Bow on the Matterhorn During First Ascent July 14, 1865 |
 Photo of Whymper's Bivouac Site July 13, 1865 |
 Gustav Doré's Illustration of the Disaster on the Descent - July 14, 1865 |
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