Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 · Character
Peter Taugwalder
The veteran Zermatt guide whose sure foot and local knowledge Whymper trusted on the Matterhorn, only to find his judgment and rope work questioned in the aftermath.
supporting
Also known as old Peter Taugwalder, Taugwalder, Old Peter, young Peter, Peter Taugwalder junior
First appearance: The First Ascent of the Matterhorn
As a supporting figure in Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69, Peter Taugwalder is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
The Taugwalders interpreted the fog-bow as having a connection to the accident.
Old Peter Taugwalder belongs to the old guard of Zermatt guides, a man Whymper describes as possessing a truer heart and surer foot than nearly any other in the Alps. He climbs alongside his son, young Peter, creating a family partnership within the expedition. His long experience and intimate familiarity with the Matterhorn's ridges make him indispensable to Whymper's plans, yet the weight of responsibility he carries on the mountain's upper slopes will test every ounce of that experience.
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Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the story's dramatic climax because it presents the irreversible turning point where the gu…
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Peter Taugwalder appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- Frontispiece
- Renewed Attempts to Ascend the Matterhorn
- XX: The First Ascent of the Ruinette—The Matterhorn
- The First Ascent of the Matterhorn
- Descent of the Matterhorn
- Struck by Lightning Upon the Matterhorn
- E: Ascents of the Matterhorn
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Peter Taugwalder unlock in the free preview.
See Peter Taugwalder in The First Ascent of the Matterhorn