The March That Turned Into a Graveyard

In the winter of 1718, 10 000 soldiers set out from a Swedish border city on a mission to conquer Norwary. However, what followed would result in one of the single largest losses of life in Swedish history, since the bubonic plague. But surprisingly, this wasn’t due to the people they encounter. This is the Carolean Death March, and as always, viewer discretion is advised.
As per KZbin's new AI disclosure policy, you may see a box pop up that says "Altered or synthetic content". To give specifics on how it's used on this channel, we use it to generate some scenes where real and stock images are not available, as well as some of the AI tools in various programs to speed workflow. Otherwise, all scripts, voiceovers, video editing, etc. is done by humans.
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Attributions/Special Thanks for Photographs:
Wellcome Images
This video contains light dramatic reenactment but no actual footage or pictures of anyone being harmed or who has been harmed. The thumbnail is NOT a real image.
Writing and research by Jordan Gottschick / @derpswithwolves
And a huge thank you to the Scary Interesting team of writers, editors, captioners, and everyone else who make this channel possible.
DISCLAIMER: The pictures, audio, and video used in the videos on this channel are a mix of paid stock, by attribution, royalty-free, public domain, or otherwise fall under the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement is intended. All rights belong to their respective owners. If you are or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video and have an issue with the use of said material, please send an email to [e-mail]. I will respond immediately.

[@jimnelson9775]

Besides the actual story you narrated, this video is an excellent synopsis of how economics, specialisation of labour (in this case, training of soldiers), and politics, to name just a few issues, are intimately intertwined… to study history is to learn so much more than a few names and dates!

[@E3ECO]

No kidding. I had no idea how the advent of firearms changed everything.

[@JudasMaccabeus1]

More than anything, history provides perspective. The more history I learn the greater I appreciate my life and the hardships I’ve eluded by merely being born in the time period I did.

[@JustTryingToYoutube]

@@JudasMaccabeus1this, I tell people now if you want to be more grateful for your life get into history, especially war history

[@VG_164]

Started watching the video to hear about soldiers dying in a snowstorm. Stayed to hear about Sweden's warfare doctrine in the 18th century.

[@KamilDziadkiewicz]

this should be a t-shirt 🤣

[@PaulRudd1941]

Watching SandRhoman like:

[@TJ-el5tm]

Can I introduce you to Sabatons 2012 album: Carolus Rex

[@Polite_Indifference]

"If you couldn't hold onto the borders of your own kingdom, quite likely your neighbour would be happy to look after them for you" - That's a very gentlemanly way of putting it.

[@spiritmatter1553]

Just as true these days, too.

[@nikki.londonuk6881]

😂

[@brandonlecompte9264]

Alot of peope dont seem to understand that anymore

[@Datch99]

As a Scandinavian I'm ashamed that we don't learn about these sort of historical events in school these days. Thanks for making such a fascinating video.

[@bouncepsycho]

We do [in Sweden]. Just not this in depth. We'd need to expand the school day to fit in more history class if we were to go into stuff like this. As a former school student, that would be about as far as worth as you could get. But this is absolutely mentioned and taught.

[@JarthenGreenmeadow]

Public school is good for literacy and arithmetic. It's useless for art, science and history.

[@SandCastle99]

yeah i agree. its quite fascinating

[@KRYAPP77]

There's a pretty cool exibition at Teknikland near Östersund about Karolinernas dödsmarsch

[@Kalleri13]

We do indeed.

[@norwegianboyee]

Nice! I suggested this topic because it's not well known internationally. Gonna watch this video with some nice dinner.

[@cancunamericanatl7162]

*Breakfast here now... cheers 🍻.* 👨🏾‍🍳🍳

[@spakjoeXD]

Dinner? It's 10 am mate! I kid

[@jasonhoward9770]

Yea 11am here but almost lunch time 😊

[@max_headroom_1987]

Thanks I've never heard this story before

[@GoreTexTillEndEx]

I worked in Harstad and Bardufoss during two winter periods. Very beautiful country but brutal winters 🥶.

[@user-ur3gr2qs6i]

Thanks for covering the Swedish Empire. The Karoleans were one of the first professional militaries. It wasn't communities it was farmsteads that had one professional warrior and they were forbidden to do farm work. They were to do nothing but practice shooting, swordsmanship, and horse riding. The size of the farm determined if you were Calvary or infantry based on the ability to care for several horses or not. The farm avoided paying taxes this way. They spent a month traveling learning regiment formations and battle drills as they got to know their battle buddies in their units made up of men from surrounding communities. Most nations used massive armies of conscripts that didn't see a rifle until they got a crash course before battle. The Swedes were so effective that they routinely defeated armies several times their size. Their tactics and the fact that everyone had a sword instead of a bayonet greatly helped them fight as a single organism. They even carried 20mm muskets which is the smallest calibre cannon that you find on a helicopter gunship today. Huge! They could literally shoot through the entire ranks of enemy lines before charging their cavalry into the breach to divide the entire enemy army in two. They also were ordered to shoot an enemy in the back if he ran and to engage with swords if they stayed to fight. This kept the formation tight and kept the cavalry from chasing people in different directions and getting cut off from each other. They are my favorite military force to do research on. But you forgot the part about the Swedes defeating all of these nations on her own and chasing the Russians all over Russia as Peter "the great" begged for peace. But The Young Lion of the North, went too far into Russia and had to retreat when Sweden was being attacked back home again. His return was this battle and his final campaign. My father was very proud that Sweden itself was never conquered. Just lost all her war territory gains.

[@Epidombe]

I still appreciate so much that sean records every single intro instead of copy+paste every episode. It’s such a small thing but it really shows me the amount of care he puts in to every episode.

[@boiledegginterested]

Sunday got a little better :)

[@justinbennett9998]

Not for those guys!!!

[@rogerhoglunda]

I live in the area. For a long time after the march, men with sawn of foots and legs ware trying to make their way home.

[@nupnorth]

In Trondheim, the university's orienteering club organises a particularly tough competition every autumn. There's a tradition that a certain "C.G.Armfeldt" is always on the start list for the men's race, and he's always announced as "Missing/Did Not Finish" at the end 😉🇳🇴

[@Trollgernautt]

Grim, love it.

[@Styphon]

That's cold!

[@littlebear274]

@@Styphon Well they are quite near the Arctic..... lol

[@Skeppsvrak]

As an ancestor to Armfeldt I should be offended, but I can't help finding that funny.

[@Datch99]

*Instantly Sabaton Music Starts Playing*

[@tacobanana6491]

Fränder! Bröder! Vår Stormaktstid är Över!!

[@MrDaros89]

@@tacobanana6491 Vort rige bløder, fanen står i brand!

[@lautarogomez9711]

@@tacobanana6491 Vårt rike blöder, fanan står i brand Aldrig, aldrig, aldrig återvända Svea stormaktstid till ända!

[@furioussherman7265]

r/expectedsabaton

[@DeadboltDame]

I really like the background music you all play in your videos. It definitely adds to the creepy ambiance of the videos.

[@Berylliyum]

My girlfriend hates that I talk so much about Scary Interesting and recommend it to EVERYONE of my friends or anyone I meet. Literally my favorite channel on KZbin and have watched every single video, some of them multiples. Also, she hates that I don't switch back to my account when I comment :)

[@afraidcone]

Lol same 😅 And just FYI, everyone itself is a group: "... recommend to everyone." / "... recommend to every one of my friends or anyone I meet".

[@ToucanSonofSam333]

Leave her

[@K2ELP]

Bruh ​@@ToucanSonofSam333

[@fonziebulldog5786]

!?

[@MazeMaker4Life]

Lol ok

[@djentspace6030]

Please continue a steady stream of videos that are in the time frame of 1600s to early 1900s i find the time and the stories fascinating!

[@pimkas]

As a scandi, I could guess from the thumbnail what todays story was about. The march of the Karolian is a sad part of our history.

[@samis6553]

As a Finn I must say that Charles XII is often a hugely glorified king and sometimes I ofcourse feel this way about him too when I look at the early stages of the Great Northern War. But this king wanted everything and refused to accept any peaceterms even when his subjects were suffering all around him. In the end he only seemed to care about his glory. He did fight in the frontlines with the men, I do give him that, but that action was also very irresbonsible for a king. Eventually that bravery caused a huge chaos by him dying either by his fed up soldiers or the Norwegians from the castle walls. What I would like to add to this story is that this was happening at the same time when Finnish area (integral part of the Swedish kingdomn at the time) was under the rule of very harsh Russian forces. We call this time period the Great Wrath. A time when 20 000 - 30 000 (about 10% of the whole Finnish population) Finns were taken as slaves by these invaders -some of them ended up as sexslaves as far away as Persia- and basically the whole country was used as a pillaging ground for 7 years (1714-1721). While it's impossible to say how much did these Finnish soldiers knew about what was happening in their homeland, I do believe that they had some knowledge after so many years. It must have been so painful to literally march the other way from suffering family members in this forlorn hope action because of this king. Glorified men are nice stories for the historybooks and KZbinvideos but usually misery for people living at their time. To me this Carolean Death March is a reminder of how somehow one foolish uncaring stuborn boy can be responsible for thousands of men wasting away.

[@norwegianboyee]

@@samis6553 True that. This campaign in particular truly shows the folly of war. Nobody "won" here. Denmark-Norway did on paper, but most of the civillians and soldiers around Trondheim at this time were starving even before the invasion came and worsened it. Sweden lost its king and depleted its military. And like you said, most of the forces were Finnish and probably wished to be at home rather than campaign in Norway.

[@jetblackjoy]

Such were the times. It's not like French, Spanish, Russian and other kings terribly cared about the fates of common people.

[@samis6553]

​​@@jetblackjoy No disagreement with that for sure! And ofcourse the upperclass were grown up to be a warriorclass and above others from birth so it is what it is (or was).

[@solutanbrun]

As a Swede I agree. He is unjustly glorified for all the reasons you list (and many more). I think we, the Swedes, are woefully unaware of the cruelty we have brought on our neighboring nations and I think that unawareness is embarrassing.

[@jaxontaylor9670]

Just finished a new MrBallen episode to find out this just got uploaded. What a lovely Sunday.

[@jameslovallo9603]

Going over to mrballen after this. This popped up first

[@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206]

No way?! A new story yesterday AND a new one today? I don't believe you!

[@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206]

Nope! Just checked! New Mr Ballen was yesterday, 22 hours ago. You're late to this ballen game! Get it?!

[@jus10lewissr]

They both used to upload on Sundays, which obviously made Sundays pretty great, but I've noticed MrBallen has been uploading on Saturdays here lately, which means I don't have to open up KZbin on Sunday afternoons and choose between which one I want to watch first anymore. I've also seen this channel uploading randomly at times during the week lately, too, so it's been nice getting multiple Scary Interesting videos per week.

[@Dalpilarna]

As a Swedish person I cant take MrBallen's name serious.

[@CptMoroni35]

Starts cranking up Sabaton’s “Carolus Rex” album!

[@foo219]

Marching across the mountains in winter without winter clothes. Truly, Karl XII was a special kind of military genius. :P

[@tamaskosa4456]

The campaign was planned to end long before winter though.

[@goldenstilettos3166]

Amazing, glad to see this incident described in detail, you do manage to find stuff that is mostly overlooked but does actually make for a fascinating story

[@bubblyproduction9809]

Best timing, love your uploads Scary Interesting

[@vinnielalumia]

It’s crazy that humans do this to themselves. Like why not just stay at home and chill out?

[@runlarryrun77]

Because nobility get grumpy at each other & use normal people to sort out their grievances instead of getting in the ring & fighting it out amongst themselves.

[@willywonka7812]

Because of the profit motive.

[@anb9999]

Because we are always seen as slaves (serfs, chattel or wageslaves)

[@raytracer5726]

Because the world is a constant struggle for survival. You are either at the dining table or on it.

[@michaelpettersson4919]

When surrounded by enemies this was an attempt to knock out one threat to avoid a twi front war. This was mentioned in the video.

[@HalfLifeGord]

I love your historical stories. Thank you!

[@BrianMerkey]

Love your videos! They get me thru rough times. I've lost my wife + kids + dogs + way of life, but when Shawn uploads a new video none of that matters 😇 Thank you

[@spiritmatter1553]

Very sorry for your losses, man.

[@giggiddy]

@@BrianMerkey Dogs and kids are smart and loyal. They'll be back..

[@p-y8210]

Sorry for your loss man.

[@psychonauty2020]

​@@giggiddy gosh unless they have passed away😢😢

[@theScotian24]

​@@psychonauty2020that is whats bein suggested. She left him and took everything.

[@buckgulick3968]

SUGGESTION: The 1902 Japanese Mount Hakkōda disaster. Tragic and a compelling story of survival. (Love your videos!)

[@ellieraan272]

He's done a video on this! Search his channel for 'The WORST Mountain Disaster In History | Hakkoda Mountains Disaster'

[@Exanier]

He already has a video about the topic

[@mogyesz9]

I think they already did a video on that.

[@jus10lewissr]

Anytime you want to suggest a story idea to Scary Interesting, email your request to Sean and he or his team will actually read it and answer back, because you just never really know if they're gonna see your comment. But, like the other folks are saying, I think he's covered that one already.

[@Scenejellybean]

You could be talking about a puppy rolling around in a paper bag and I’d listen. You make your stories so interesting and engaging :)

[@mikaross4671]

I'm about to head out for brunch. Your videos are the best to wake up to. RIP to those poor souls.

[@DarthMercanto]

I’m kind of surprised at how effectively you explained the emergence of the Nation State in the 18th century lol

[@Damarious25]

I didn't expect the channel to go in this direction. I like it!

[@moomyung9231]

I had Swedish ancestors in the military then. I think I'll get too weird about this.

[@Azraelleah]

This channel is so authentic, I love it ❤

[@edwardlee1497]

Cover the Bataan Death March next

[@SBG420]

Been home sick binging the videos ive missed, glad theres 1 more :)

[@kwamehenry4867]

Just ripped the bong and new scary interesting drops

[@npickle54]

Same but I just hit the rock pipe

[@jasonhoward9770]

O dam 👆😵

[@xlt0]

​@@npickle54 bro what

[@giggiddy]

Some real class acts here. Waste of dna

[@BigWrig305]

​@npickle54 lol. not the same...

[@James-r8s]

Never miss this,one, of the best channel going today.

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

Beginning a campaign into Western Asia before winter seemed extraordinary folly. Marching a forced retreat through the Norwegian mountains in winter is some new kind of frozen hell.

[@devenbs1993]

One of your best yet 👌

[@dramares]

SI's art/production is still supreme.

[@ludwigderzanker9767]

So far the friendly scandinavians...Ever the same old story, a guy behind a desk made a nice plan and thousands died...Thanks for the rare info about this disaster! Ludwig

[@jamie6704]

I always look forward to your uploads.

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

The carolians where not nearly close to the first shock troops in the world, those where as old as time, they where however the first footmen in Europe to retrain in the use of mele weapons and engage the enemy with steel in hand centuries after most armies had abandoned mele weapons (and completely abandoned armor) for guns and no longer trained their troops to fight in mele. An unarmored concript only trained to stand in line and shoot his musket wont survive a second in mele combat to a trained swordsman charge.

[@alexfoote1310]

I love your unbiased factual take on history bro too many channels get into their bias and it ruins the educational part keep it up 💪

[@minipup1]

I was half expecting some of them to cobble together some scuba gear and try to cave dive their way home.

[@janey7006]

This was a great one! Thank you for the history lesson!

[@jus10lewissr]

This channel is top-notch, but it doesn't stop people from making petty complaints in the comment section of every single video. If such minor things bother you so much that you can't get into the video or even enjoy it, maybe this type of content just isn't your thing.

[@jus10lewissr]

I personally find the content so interesting and the videos so well put together that I don't even notice anything to complain about.

[@tinttura]

As a Finnish it hurts to watch this video knowing that there were so many Finnish soldiers on the march, dying to cold and diseases. Over 110 thousand Finnish soldiers lost their lives on the war fields in the years 1617-1721. They were food for the cannons, expendable assets. No wonder Sweden lost urge for war after losing Finland to Russia.

[@tinttura]

@freja9398 Indeed, Finland became a country only after Sweden lost it. One of the very few good things Russians gave to Finland was autonomy, which was a far away dream under the Swedish siege.

[@solutanbrun]

@@freja9398you are very naive in your understanding of the relationship Finland has with Sweden, and I assume this is due to your education in Swedish history. We were conquerors of all our neighboring countries, and we were not doing it because we were good, kind hearted people. Why do you think dalkarlar and smålänningar rebelled against the crown? Why do you think many modern Finns call the Swedish they are taught in school involuntary Swedish (tvångssvenska)? Finland may have been part of Sweden, but they were Finns, not Swedes, and you should respect that and not be ignorant about it.

[@jay-1800]

@@solutanbrunFinns are just lake swedes change my mind! (Kidding of course)

[@philtkaswahl2124]

"'Conquer Norway,' they said. 'It'll be fun,' they said!"

[@EyesOfByes]

0:10 Really? Cant remember that from school. I just remeber Axel Oxenstierna, Gustav Vasa, Johan III, Erik IV, and Kalle Dussin (Carl XII).... Oh NOW I remember that history class in highschool

[@sleepysombre4307]

no one fvckin cares

[@jeremywhite5762]

Good morning or good day to everyone hope all is well fantastic work as always Sean i really appreciate your time work dedication put into your content it definitely shows thanks once again man

[@RefreshingShamrock]

As an American, you've singlehandedly taught me more gun history than any teacher has in 13 years of primary school and 4 years of college.

[@leannaerickson9745]

You've done a great job of revealing a part of European history not taught in U.S. schools. The visuals behind the story are fascinating. Obviously, some of the pictures are created or enhanced for this episode. In the case of historic art and drawings, it would be nice to know who the creators are.

[@trmoody36]

Fantastic Videos.Every single one is fantastic.im a huge fan.keep up the great content

[@buffoonustroglodytus4688]

Yeah it’s fackin cold up there

[@luis33-n5k]

This the #1 channel I look for new videos on. Just wanted to share 😁 Thanks 👍

[@MomentsInTrading]

Something that is important to understand is that a soldier only got 1 shot and then had to reload, which took 20-30 seconds. Therefore, if another army is running at you, you only had 1 or maybe 2 shots from the time they got within musket range, until they got close enough for bayonets.

[@JudasMaccabeus1]

This weather isn’t half as bad as what my grandparents from Florida had to deal with walking to school everyday.

[@ipeaceful6]

always a good day when scary interesting uploads 🙏

[@OmarJayryan]

Thanks!

[@ScaryInteresting]

Thanks so much for supporting the channel!

[@tygerbyrn]

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond should be required reading in high school history curriculum.

[@Arrowfodder]

Interesting video! I have atleast two ancestors who fought in the Great Northern War, one of whom died in battle and one who was with the king in Norway.

[@peaceseeker52]

Army vs Winter not often does the Army win. I have a lone Dane in my Norwegian lineage who was noted to be a Soldier in a 1700's Danish Norwegian War. Afterward he came back to marry the woman he loved and they stayed in Norway.

[@knightofsvea604]

Scandinavia before year 1900: stay inside or you die, lingonberries? 🙂🇸🇪🇳🇴

[@ritakoehler7125]

Good morning!

[@j.jwhitty5861]

afternoon

[@lilmsmischief69]

Good morning!

[@ImmortalTreknique]

Good evening 😊

[@lilmsmischief69]

Dang, I’m kind of early but for real what amazing scary interesting fates do we have today??

[@sarahlevine776]

This isn't the only time an army marched into snowy mountainous terrain and lost many of their solders to a blizzard. There was a similar incident in Japan, though that one was meant as a training exercise.

[@jus10lewissr]

Even though you obviously already know the story, he covered that one on this channel and I still totally recommend watching his rendition. I know I watched it in the last year sometime, but I don't know if it was a new upload or just an old one that I'd never seen until then.

[@axl1178]

Ah, yes. The Hakkoda mts hike.

[@user-zg7ps9vf5o]

I was thinking of the Bataan Death March. But this is equally as interesting.

[@garrettmckuin7294]

The page turning sound effect is a little loud

[@jebediahbingham261]

Here we go again, always somewhat sad but entertaining

[@nullset11]

The real Scary Interesting thing in this video are the kids' faces in the painting at the 3:10 mark 😱

[@jus10lewissr]

That was literally the first thing I noticed in that painting! The boy in the bottom right and the girl in the bottom center. They look more like full-grown adult dwarves than they do children. 😳

[@jus10lewissr]

And yeah, the faces are right on the verge of being nightmare-inducing.

[@freja9398]

Yay, en till svensk Scary Interesting-video! ☺

[@Carolus_Rex1995]

Just want to say, I accept no responsibility for this!

[@StudioJake]

This is an excellent video!

[@DeepThought420]

I could fall asleep to your videos if they weren't so nightmare inducing 😅

[@jus10lewissr]

I've tried. I just end up forcing myself to stay awake in order to finish the story. 😂

[@RicoTheSadBoi]

Homie has no reason to have an intro song that goes that hard

[@lazytommy0]

OOH!!! new S.I video just dropped :)

[@patmagh]

Always fun to hear Americans pronouncing Norwegian and Swedish names!

[@solderingironofjusti]

In high school this kind of history lesson (from a textbook) would have bored me to death. Now i seek it out, and the presentation format holds my attention and interest, even with worst case of adhd 😎👍🏼

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

And here I was thinking of Napolon

[@snakysnail42]

great video

[@goldosprey]

...I dont know whether to start playing Sabaton...or pray for the madnesss to end. Regardless great storytelling

[@JordaneseTyphoon-jk6fr]

I’m pretty sure that when people say that the Mount Hakkoda disaster of 1902 is the deadliest mountaineering disaster, they are mistaken. I’m pretty sure this is the real deadliest mountaineering disaster, and by quite a long shot. Just wanted to mention that, since I’m pretty sure even you’ve said it before

[@matswinberg5045]

In Sweden this historicak event is called "Armfelts återtåg", rhat us, Armfelt's retreat.

[@kynyaralewis8226]

Dope story, really felt like I was there had to grab a jacket🥶

[@Trollgernautt]

Maybe you can cover the War at Canudos, a Brazilian conflict between the army and a small town, right after Brazil had stopped being a monarchy.

[@lemon_j22]

Fascinating.

[@domgould5113]

A king visiting frontlines is a wonderful thing,just dont show up dressed as the king.

[@UnWonMo]

Wishing you a season of light, laughter, and love. Merry Christmas, and may God bless you abundantly! ✨🙏

[@voixdelaraison593]

Very interesting story.

[@RaymondTheThird]

LOVE the style of this without the 3D 🥰

[@jasminehardy619]

Favorite channel 🥰

[@Weirdo_Human8462]

How did I not know about this? I’m literally Swedish

[@mooseprince3995]

nice ! New microphone ??

[@LordVlax]

Good strategy and tactic can win fights the same way bad ones ruin it...

[@daveh777]

Another great video! Kudos and thank you for making it!👍👍👍

[@DarthVader-ig6ci]

TO THE SKYYYYYYY...SEE CAROLUS RISE🎸🎸🎸

[@crow6221]

I always feel bad for the horses.

[@milicaknezev]

When I 1st saw the video thumbnail I thought it was going to be about Albanian Golgotha.

[@SuperGreenshades]

Truly sad the loss of life because of poor planning and fate

[@anthonyhayes1267]

This kinda reminds me of the Ottoman disaster at Sarikamish.

[@BlueandQueenie]

Mystery starts at 7:30min