Is the Kon-Tiki movie accurate?

“Kon-Tiki” is based on a true story that follows the incredible story of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who crossed the Pacific ocean in a balsa wood raft in 1947, together with five men, to prove that South Americans – specifically, Peruvians – back in pre-Colombian times could have crossed the sea and settled on …

What island did Thor Heyerdahl land on?

After 101 days at sea the Kon-Tiki ran aground on a coral reef by the Raroia atoll in Polynesia. The expedition had been an unconditional success, and Thor Heyerdahl and his crew had demonstrated that South American peoples could in fact have journeyed to the islands of the South Pacific by balsa raft.

What was the name of the current Thor Heyerdahl was searching for to reach Polynesia?

the Kon-Tiki
On 28 April 1947 Thor and five other men left Callao in Peru on a balsawood raft called the Kon-Tiki, destined for Polynesia.

What happens to Herman while he is swimming in the ocean Kon-Tiki?

blood-spattered Herman Watzinger slowly walks atop the waterlogged Kon-Tiki raft. He loses his balance falling into the Pacific Ocean. Among them, Knut Haugland dives headlong toward the flailing Watzinger. Two other crew members throw out bloody shark innards to distract the swarm.

What were the glowing fish in Kon-Tiki?

The firefly squid is found in the Western Pacific ocean at depths of 183 to 366 metres (600–1200 feet) and is bioluminescent. Each tentacle has a photophore organ, which produces light. Firefly squid close-up. When flashed, the light attracts small fish, which the squid can feed upon.

Why was Thor Heyerdahl wrong?

Fifty years ago, Thor Heyerdahl and the Kon-Tiki expedition appeared to prove that ancient humans could have sailed west from South American to colonise the Pacific islands. But DNA evidence now shows that his theory was wrong. The Polynesians then followed, and colonised New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island itself.

Who first settled Polynesia?

Linguistic evidence suggests that western Polynesia was first settled some 3,000 years ago, by people of the Lapita culture.

Did Heyerdahl stay married?

After the occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany, he served with the Free Norwegian Forces from 1944, in the far north province of Finnmark. In 1949, Heyerdahl married Yvonne Dedekam-Simonsen (1924–2006). They had three daughters: Annette, Marian and Helene Elisabeth. They were divorced in 1969.

What were the glowing fish in Kon Tiki?

What is the movie Kon Tiki about?

Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl (Pål Sverre Hagen) suspects that the South Sea Islands were originally colonized by South Americans. In 1947 despite his fear of water and inability to swim, Heyerdahl decides to prove his theory. He and five companions set sail from Peru on a balsa-wood raft built from an ancient design. Their only modern equipment is a radio, and they must navigate using the stars and ocean currents. After three exhausting months at sea, they achieve their goal.
Kon-Tiki/Film synopsis

What is the Thor Heyerdahl Institute?

The Thor Heyerdahl Institute was established in 2000. Heyerdahl himself agreed to the founding of the institute and it aims to promote and continue to develop Heyerdahl’s ideas and principles. The institute is located in Heyerdahl’s birth town of Larvik, Norway.

What did Thomas Heyerdahl do?

Heyerdahl advanced a theory according to which the Canaries had been bases of ancient shipping between America and the Mediterranean . Heyerdahl was also an active figure in Green politics. He was the recipient of numerous medals and awards. He also received 11 honorary doctorates from universities in the Americas and Europe .

What is the best book about Thor Heyerdahl?

Heyerdahl, Thor. Early Man and the Ocean: A Search for the Beginnings of Navigation and Seaborne Civilizations, February 1979. Heyerdahl, Thor. In the Footsteps of Adam: A Memoir, translated by Ingrid Christophersen, 2001 (English) Wikimedia Commons has media related to Thor Heyerdahl.

What are the Heyerdahl Archives?

The Heyerdahl Archives span the years 1937 to 2002 and include his photographic collection, diaries, private letters, expedition plans, articles, newspaper clippings, original book, and article manuscripts. The Heyerdahl Archives are administered by the Kon-Tiki Museum and the National Library of Norway in Oslo.