On to the Summit:We Reach the Top
Introduction
- Author: Tenzing Norgay, a Nepali-Indian Sherpa mountaineer (1914-1986).
- Achievement: One of the first to summit Mount Everest with Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953.
- Chapter Focus: Tenzing’s account of the final climb, challenges, teamwork, and emotions during the historic Everest expedition.
Key Points
1. Final Climb from Camp Nine
- Started from Camp Nine on 29 May 1953, determined to reach the summit.
- Tenzing was ready to risk his life: “I was to get to the top even if I die.”
- Tenzing and Hillary alternated leading; the follower (anchor) ensured safety.
2.Flags on the Summit
- At Camp Four, Colonel Hunt gave Tenzing flags of Britain, UN, and Nepal to plant on the summit.
- Tenzing added the Indian flag with Hunt’s permission, symbolizing unity.
3.Reaching the Summit
- Faced steep rocks but reached the summit together, tied by a rope (symbol of teamwork).
- Final 60-70 feet were less steep; they climbed steadily and reached the top almost together.
4.Controversy Over Who Was First
- A debate arose in Kathmandu about who reached first.
- Tenzing, Hillary, and Hunt dismissed it as childish and signed a pact (22 June 1953) stating they reached “almost together.”
5.Celebration at the Summit
- Gratitude: Thanked God for fulfilling his dream after six failed attempts.
- Offerings: Placed biscuits, candy, and a blue pencil (from daughter Nima) as Buddhist offerings.
- Flags: Planted four flags (Britain, Nepal, UN, India) using his ice axe.
6.Personal Moments
- Wore a red scarf from friend Lambert, symbolizing emotional connection.
- Felt exhilarated, clear-minded, and fit at the summit.
- View: Mountains looked like “Gods and Goddesses,” plains like “broken pieces of a map.”
7.Descent
- More dangerous than the climb; required “husiar” (caution).
- Tenzing ensured Hillary’s safety by holding the rope tightly.
- At Camp Eight, teammates offered tea (smelling of kerosene), which Tenzing drank gratefully.
Themes
- Teamwork: The rope symbolized trust and unity.
- Determination: Tenzing’s resolve to reach the summit.
- Humility: Downplayed the “who was first” controversy.
- Faith: Expressed through offerings and gratitude to God.
Significant Elements
1. Red Scarf: Connection to friend Lambert.
2.Husiar: Caution during descent.
3.Kerosene-Flavored Tea: Team’s effort and Tenzing’s gratitude.
4.Ice Axe: Used to plant flags.
5. Anchor: Follower ensuring safety, symbolizing teamwork.
Tenzing’s Qualities
- Determined: “I was to get to the top even if I die.”
- Team-Oriented: “We were not two individuals, but a team.”
- Humble: Dismissed controversy over who was first.
- Grateful: Thanked God and valued his daughter’s pencil.
- Respectful: Sought permission for Indian flag.
Vocabulary
- Alternated: Took turns.
- Anchor: Follower ensuring safety.
- Summit: Highest point of a mountain.
- Controversy: Public disagreement.
- Pact: Formal agreement.
- Exhilarated: Very happy.
- Husiar: Caution.
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