Shackleton's Expedition: Survival and Death at the Bottom of the World

[@davenaldrich3985]

The book Endurance by Alfred Lansing is ABSOLUTELY must-read. These men did everything to survive, and their tale is utterly incredible.

[@Hillbilly001]

Read that book many years ago and I agree, it's a definite must-read on the subject. Cheers from Tennessee

[@kellymcmanus150]

"For scientific leadership give me Scott; for swift and efficient travel, Amundsen; but when you are in a hopeless situation, when there seems no way out, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton." Alfred Lancing

[@UnknownUser-fe5zu]

Great book

[@agentsmith2378]

Il check it out bro ty.

[@katiecook6006]

Have you read Madhouse at the Ends of the Earth: The Belgica's Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night? The story isn't as inspiring as the Endurance but the surviving, and lost, crew and the story of Belgium's backing of the Expedition are quite fascinating. I'm a huge sucker for "Expedition Gone Wrong" genre of non fiction, lol.

[@Kaltagstar96]

You know, often the topics that come up on Into The Shadows are horrifying or morbid, but this one is nothing short of absolutely inspiring.

[@ChryseCoder]

The occasional Into The Shadows video that ends on a happy or satisfying note is very much welcomed.

[@Zeuskazoo]

Agreed. Reading this stuff helps during tough times

[@thelittlehooer]

The TV movie "Shackelton" with Kenneth Brannagh is superb, well worth watching. Shackelton is still taught in management courses as an example of crew resource management and morale.

[@Zipa7]

Endurance was a fitting name, it suited Shackleton and his crew perfectly.

[@kcollier2192]

This dude was a REAL leader. Class, character and compassion- a rare combination these days.

[@pr0xZen]

I've known several men and women of similar stock throughout my life - most have steered away from leadership because they don't _want_ to lead though. Greatly dissuaded by their own poor experiences and influences of what leadership and controlling means and does in this age. They're ferocious fighters and workerd but very humble and compassionate folk, and the mechanics of world today don't really appreciate or reward the latter traits. So they usually have only minor opportunities and spend their lives on the lower socioeconomic rungs of society. A "place" where lack of oppprtunity, social mobility and vulnerability is heightened, which attracts more poor leadership of ill temperament, generally poor leadership skills, heavy hands and exploitation - which serves greatly as "role models" to breed more of the same. And perpetuate an extraordinary high rate of the kind of people in leadership position whom people of compassion detest. And whoms demonstration of "leadership" heavily dissuades people of actual great leadership stock from ever seriously considering assuming or accepting any formal position of leadership.

[@nickmiller8131]

Every photo I’ve ever seen of Earnest Shackleton looks like he’s a A#1 badass.

[@sebaseba6710]

I only listened to the video and went on google, his jaw is so powerful!

[@GEB_Rosee_PPS]

poor mrs. Chippy 😢 She will live on in our hearts

[@thelittlehooer]

I named my cat Mrs Chippy, after Mc Nish's cat.

[@brontewcat]

I was very said they thought it necessary to kill her. Frankly if she could have been kept alive as a mascot.

[@larry-naylor]

​@@brontewcatShe was a useless mouth. They would have had to plundered the scant resources to feed her and for what? Also if they had brought her there was no guarantee that she wouldn't have walked consigning her to a slow and painful death. There is absolutely zero room for sentiment in survival situations, you think anything but rationally and you're dead along with Mrs Chippy and the sled dogs.

[@notforwantoftrying1]

giving your friend your last biscuit and therefore causing him to become fiercely loyal to you is the most quintessentially British thing ever

[@itarry4]

Yhea he kept the cup of tea though. 😊

[@aaronlepcha4768]

He was an Irish

[@imakelonelinessworkforme9120]

Fun fact: my best friend is one of Shackleton’s descendants. We learnt about him in geography when we all were saying what a coincidence it is that he has the same surname as someone in our class (my best friend). The next lesson she comes back saying that she asked her dad & apparently he’s her great (x2 or x3) grandad. Our teacher then researched it and confirmed it all. I’d not thought abt it in ages (can’t say we chat abt it much) but seeing the title made me remember lol

[@phoebelou-lou19]

I am also a Shackleton. I've always wondered if I could be a descendant 🤔

[@lilapy1430]

It's such a wild fantasy that there are descendants of true heroes. Something I only think that happens in movies.

[@imakelonelinessworkforme9120]

@@phoebelou-lou19 what part of the world are you in? x

[@546268]

Worsley was one of those extraordinary people who could navigate by instinct. He was remarkably talented.

[@jazdragen]

watched an IMAX movie about Shackleton at a science museum years ago and was absolutely flabbergasted that it was a true story. one of those exemplary stories of perseverance against any and all odds

[@sydhenderson6753]

Kansas Cosmodrome? That's where I saw it.

[@sgtbrown4273]

Greatings from McMurdo Station Antarctica 😊

[@archlich4489]

Watch out for John Carpenter's The Thing

[@skwervin1]

@@archlich4489 Wrong Hemisphere!!!

[@sgtbrown4273]

@@skwervin1 No, it actually was in Antarctica in the movie. 😊

[@LynetteTheMadScientist]

How’s the weather?

[@jrmckim]

Keep Safe and dont spoil your coworker's books

[@LucasOliveira-tt2ll]

Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success. nailed it

[@JulioConnory]

They will still be talking about generations after you are gone. And here we are.

[@jocktulloch3499]

The most amazing "Help Wanted" advert. EVER!

[@amb163]

I never tire of hearing this story -- what these men went through and their unbelievable determination and grit, is awe inspiring. By every logical measure of prediction, it's incredible any of them survived let alone ALL of them. Shackleton is epitome of the word "leader."

[@tatjanakragh1539]

one of the greatest stories of all time--just overcoming the impossible

[@JohnMassey-q5l]

I first read about Shackleton's adventure in National Geographic magazine about 15 years ago. It mentioned that when he made it back to England, he was appalled, saying that Europe had gone mad, referring to WWI. A great video Simon and crew!!! Keep up the good work

[@tableslam]

Simon: "But as we said, Elephant Island is no place to call home, especially since there weren't even any -" me: ELEPHANTS? Simon: "- nearby shipping or whaling routes" me: FUCK

[@b7kerravon]

Mrs. Chippy's Last Expedition - awesome perspective of this trip!

[@pioneercynthia1]

Isn't it so cute that a he-man carpenter named his cat Mrs. Chippy? How adorable.

[@TheLoneTerran]

I just got done with a day of landscaping and yard work. Blisters, scratches, bleeding, etc. I *thought* I'd worked hard today. But compared to Shackleton, I might as well have stayed in bed all day. Dang. Everyone one these expeditions were hardcore. A few cracked, rebelling or losing hope, but being hardcore or a badass doesn't mean never having moments of weakness but being able to recover and keep it together so everyone makes it home alive.

[@omega1231]

The explorers of the north and south pole are great stories of perseverance, courage and great big balls of steel.

[@maryschaefer5691]

Wow what men I don't even know how to describe them! Very very inspiring

[@danielpope6498]

They found the Endurance recently, its on the ocean floor of course but its in remarkable condition. More or less exactly as it looked the last time they saw it.

[@weirdshibainu]

Makes sense. Cold water can preserve wood for centuries

[@larryscott3982]

Well done. There’s several fine books on that journey. Including one authored by Shakelton. I’ve read several. And failure to embark on the transcontinental exploration is barely a side note. The extraordinary survival, extraordinary escape to Elephant Is., the extraordinary arrival at South Georgia Is., the extraordinary crossing the island …. The loss of the second ship, and the completion of the food depots… If a fiction writer penned such a story arc it’d be as unbelievable as science fiction.

[@PhuckedUpPhilosophy]

YES ! Was waiting for Shackleton to make an appearance on one of Simons channels. AND it’s on his best channel. Let’s go.

[@lispererasmrstories2051]

Same. I adore Simon and I adore Shackleton, and I'm happy to see you. They crossed paths lol in a way.

[@AreUmygrandson]

That dude is an epic legend and a great leader

[@jhord8879]

Ahhh, always an absolute delight to have Fact Boy pop up on my feed with a subject I'm fascinated by. No doubt this will be another excellent, informative video from one of my favorite KZbin personalities.

[@bellehimechan]

Amazing tale! Mr. S was a legend. ...also RIP Mrs. Chippy. Shizz hurt my heart to hear.

[@kittylaroux17]

Ernest Shackelton, Certified Legend

[@christina1wilson]

I'm pleased you included the Aurora's sadder tale in this story. The Endurance is an incredible story. Roland Huntford wrote 2 books on this period: Last Place on Earth (the stories of Scott and Amundsen) and Shackleton. The Last Place on Earth was turned into a miniseries many years ago--it was well done.

[@lispererasmrstories2051]

When I first learned his story in elementary school Shackleton, was my hero. When I later restudied him in college for leadership class I was overjoyed. every time I hear his story it brings me such hope. And even though it's a poor wife lived with his debit The story always inspires me to keep going and to try to be a good leader.

[@goodchessactor]

I almost froze to death just watching this video. I can't even imagine how those men could have survived. I guess the human body is sturdier than we think.

[@WaywardVet]

And that's why Shackleton had the nickname "the Boss".

[@andrewcarson5850]

Jaw dropped, mind blown, gob smacked. Humans truly are an incredible species.

[@aromrell]

Simon, You sir, are an incredible story teller. I've read books about the Shackleton expedition and listened to many other narratives but yours was the most interesting and I learned far more about the incredible adventure. Shackleton can teach us all a thing or two about leadership. Thanks for all of the hard work you put into this.

[@dbf1dware]

This was superbly presented. Awesome work, sir.

[@RobbbbC]

Simon's back! Best video in a while.

[@Lawdachris]

What an absolute legend! Excellently told too, inspiring

[@davidsheehan7022]

Good show Simon!! - The TV Mini Series "Shackleton" with Kenneth Branagh circa 2002 is incredible to watch. You were able to summarize the movie in 22 minutes! 🤠Texas

[@stateofkansass]

Simon. Hardest working man on KZbin.

[@gregbors8364]

He’s the most prevalent person on YT but he works with a team of writers. Hard to say whether or not he works harder than DIY’ers with one-person operations

[@stateofkansass]

@@gregbors8364 coordinating all of that I'm sure it's quite a bit of work.

[@gregbors8364]

@@stateofkansass I don’t think there’s any question that it’s not a full-time job for Simon

[@stevevanleeuwen8815]

I'm reading his account of that journey right now... Those were hard men who could forge empires. No wonder Britain got so far in its day.

[@smalltime0]

Semi unrelated, there is a town in Western Australia named after him. It was home to the world's smallest bank which was in a small wooden hut, but it ceased being a proper bank in 1997 - its still there and maintained, but it just has an atm in it now.

[@SlippyTip]

Wow. This almost brought me to tears for some reason lol maybe its cuz im holding my son rn but the raw determination and survival in this story really hits you. I can only imagine the adventure they would have had under him if he had gone back out again

[@troygarza5720]

Human ancestors where a different breed they had to be to survive. I feel like it's modem humans don't know the true struggle of life. Of basic survival

[@user-ol2mr4bx7c]

There's parts of the book endurance where you're reading and it's like... wtf it's a properly different breed of people, there's one part one guy falls in and they have to keep taking turns walking him up and down so he didn't literally freeze because they had no change of clothes for him

[@ZOB4]

These guys were all absolute badasses

[@JERIS97]

The way you introduce and hype up the story is incredible/exciting..and you do not disappoint sir!

[@mdsfo]

I've been to Antartica twice with a friend who was fascinated by the place and Shackleton. It was an amazing experience on a small cruise ship which my wealthy friend chartered just for that purpose. We even went to Shackleton's grave on South Georgia Island. There were about 40 invited guests in addition to the crew. Ufortunately the ship sank several years later.

[@davidholden1846]

Simon, what an outstanding story and you excellent job recounting it. One of my favorites.

[@jpmountaingaming5681]

So many cats and dogs died in this expedition…I’m going to hug my cats and dogs.

[@VenusFlyHands]

I listened to the Endurance audiobook a couple years ago knowing nothing about it except the ship had been found recently. Most inspiring survival story I've ever heard.

[@austenpowers]

What a hero

[@TheMarkieHD]

Tom Crean is one of Kerry’s greatest sons. A very modest man too

[@khironkinney1667]

This is why I love listening to Simon this is some great intense storytelling

[@Nudgeworth]

By pure luck, I saw this story in an original presentation written by one of Shackleton's crew. It was originally done by him, but had been past on to another man to perform. Who past it on to the man I saw give it. It had the original script and photos from the expedition. My wife and I were blown away by the story.

[@babscabs1987]

Badass doesn't come close to Ernest and the crew of the Endurance. Given the choice, I think I'd rather gone to the trenches in 1914. Great video! I'd love to see one about Robert Falcon Scott.

[@pioneercynthia1]

At least you mentioned Roald Amundsen. He was a demi-god the likes of which the world has seldom seen. He deserves his own episode!

[@Kraakesolv]

Word.

[@stevec7923]

Astonishing story. Excellent presentation. Thank you, Simon and writer!

[@spacecandygames7575]

I first heard about this in 33 strategies of war, it’s still my favorite story and chapter in the book.

[@TheQuestionmarkstudi]

I still find it interesting they were even able to take pictures in such conditions. Back then, they didn’t have any rugged-specific cases for cameras or anything. Amazing..

[@ErickSoares3]

There were an agreement to document the expedition for an eventual documentary and, even when all went to shit, they saved the cameras, the films and kept documenting everything.

[@kmalkiee1760]

I love this story! Thank you for covering it!

[@SoundShinobiYuki]

Shackleton is an amazing story of survival, but my Antarctic favourite for "OMG HOW DID HE EVEN LIVE?!?!?!?!?" is that of Douglas Mawson during the Far Eastern Party. He, two other men (Mertz and Ninnis) and two teams of sled dogs left, just Mawson came back- a journey of over 500 kilometres and almost entirely on foot or skis that later caused the entirety of the bottoms of his feet to come off like the sole of an old shoe (he tied them back onto his feet with some socks and kept going). He also missed the rescue ship home by just a few days- but it ironically saved his life, because he was so weak he probably wouldn’t have survived the voyage home.

[@rickh9396]

RIP Mrs. Chippy

[@babblerscorner]

I watched the IMAX film Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure so many times when I worked at a science museum. I’d never known this story before that and it was stunning to learn about

[@jhanner80]

I've heard that story a couple times before, but I love it. That don't make men like that anymore.

[@knowEyeDeer]

I watched this while eating brisket (I just took out of the smoker). That was a good combo, BBQ + an epic tale of human endurance.Thanks whistle boi. 😙👌

[@nicoler.wunderink_2874]

The beautiful irony of life

[@mikall1]

Shackleton was a badass.

[@DougieFresh765]

What a survival story. Great job whistle boy

[@toms.7913]

What an amazingly scary tale. I really enjoyed this episode

[@EAcapuccino]

Jeez 😮 An outstanding story at survival! 👏 👏 👏

[@nickverbree]

What an absolute legend

[@robertcairney2955]

No words can describe shackelton

[@MissV301]

My late brother was fascinated about Shackleton and his fateful trip, having collected many books about him as well as some odds & sods of memorabilia. When my brother died suddenly I tried to find his Shackleton collection amidst the overwhelming amount of stuff in his apartment (he was a hoarder) but only managed to retrieve a couple of books. RIP Ward 😢

[@Suddenly-Eggs]

The ages of adventurers are so inspiring.

[@stevenmartin6473]

Just utterly amazing

[@happilyham6769]

There are few forces greater than human will and determination against all odds, against what seems like certain death.

[@VenusFlyHands]

I love that photo of Mr. and Mrs. Chippy McNish

[@bennyc409]

The toughest challenge Shackleton faced was carrying the weight of his solid brass balls.

[@BigKeith510]

What an amazing story

[@jocktulloch3499]

Amazing real adventure. I've read Shackalton's book about the voyage, 'South' several times.

[@newfieocean]

The Newfoundland sealing disaster, "Death on the Ice" would make a great episode!

[@SoundShinobiYuki]

Ooh, yes! As a Canuck it’s not well known outside Canada. Even in Canada it doesn’t really come up in history class unless you live in NL. I in Ontario only learned of it from a book about Canadian disasters as a kid.

[@newfieocean]

@@SoundShinobiYuki The Novel by Cassie Brown was mandatory reading for me in high school here in Newfieland! All the names of the men lost are listed in the back. Always struck me. My Grandmother's Uncle was one of the names.

[@SoundShinobiYuki]

@@newfieocean I was a bookworm luckily so I read the novel on my own time as a kid, but it definitely never came up in our history classes. 🙁

[@callabeth258]

Besides Australian history this is one of the few topics of history I learned in detail at my Aussie primary school. We did a huge assignment on it and everything!

[@blakedickenson2394]

So did I. What year were you in? I was in year 6 at a catholic school in Canberra. I remember this massive assignment being the bane of my existence lol

[@callabeth258]

@@blakedickenson2394I was in grade 6 too just in a Queensland public school instead

[@AnimeShinigami13]

The only words I can adequately respond with are "absolute fucking legend!"

[@gregevans6044]

Wow. Just, wow. I think they just recently found the Endurance. I could be wrong, but I think it was just a few years ago. It was kind of a big deal.

[@jonathanbrewer7072]

Brilliant

[@jessgunn6639]

I was born in the same hospital that tom crean died in, he passed away from a ruptured appendix unbelievable after so many deadly experiences something so simple should have ended his days. i have always loved his photographs they are so alive you almost feel you are part of them

[@CartoonHero1986]

Note the Shackleton Expedition in this episode was part of the bases for a great video game called Into the Pale Beyond. There was some sci-fi stuff added to make the story a little more video game-esc but the game REALLY gave the player an idea of just how dire every choice Shackleton had to make really was.

[@RyanMcAul]

A true story of survival and heroism.

[@rickc2102]

best branagh character since prince hal

[@troygarza5720]

Bro that's really homie he was like take my ashes and put them next to my buddy. That's love the kind you can't buy from anyone.

[@LeeArgent]

While your waiting FOR death you just keep going

[@JM-wf2to]

This is one of those stories that if seen in a movie you call bullshit. Truly amazing. Truly bad ass men. I'm a hell of an outdoorsman and have spent much time alone in the Rockies/Beartooth and bitterroots. I'm pretty damn sure id die pretty fast if I was in their situation.

[@jessiekalff]

Transfixed through the whole episode!

[@TheMarkemmy]

Shackleton’s book “South” is a must read on his take of. the expedition. If you look up in the dictionary for the Heroic Age of Exploration, his face will be looking back at you.

[@ProGeologist1222]

So interesting

[@theBassAddicts]

I love these type of episodes. It's like a story time. Time to curl up with some hot chocolate and my favourite snack.

[@Jin420]

Simon -- you are ALL OVER MY FEED 🤦🏻‍♀️😂😂

[@andiward7068]

His plan of taking over YT is coming to fruition, allegedly.

[@lajoyalobos2009]

Begun, the Simon Clone War has.

[@kenneybis1097]

Not surprising. He now has 27 different channels.

[@backgroundnoise9310]

Great vid

[@gregbors8364]

They met The Thing down there

[@linda10989]

And since it didn't attack them, the team were sworn to secrecy 🤫

[@mick882]

7:19 "These hopes quickly turned into beers" ?

[@eugeniorey4565]

He got EVERYONE home alive. Leadership is everything.

[@gerrydepp8164]

Frank Worsley; the incredible navigator, who was hired as the Captain - was a Kiwi and like a lot of Kiwi's was an avid sailor who spent a great deal of his later life sailing around the Pacific Islands just for fun. There is also a book written from his perspective - that shows you just how incredible his crucial navigation really was under the circumstances - called "Shackleton's Captain" - I cant remember who wrote it but it is one of the best books I have ever read. But then I am a Kiwi too so biased to the hilt...

[@skrag2112]

When Shackleton asked someone at the station if the war was over, he got this reply. "The war is not over. Millions are being killed. Europe is mad. The world is mad." Words more chilling than the Antarctic winter.