# Peter Taugwalder — Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 character guide

> Peter Taugwalder in Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 by Edward Whymper.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** old Peter Taugwalder, Taugwalder, Old Peter, young Peter, Peter Taugwalder junior

**First appearance:** 0025-xxi-the-first-ascent-of-the-matterhorn

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Frontispiece](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/frontispiece)

The Taugwalders interpreted the fog-bow as having a connection to the accident.

### [Renewed Attempts to Ascend the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/v-renewed-attempts-to-ascend-the-matterhorn)

Guide accompanying Kennedy on the winter attempt.

### [XX: The First Ascent of the Ruinette—The Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xx-the-first-ascent-of-the-ruinette-the-matterhorn)

Engaged by Whymper as a guide for the Matterhorn attempt; reported a possible route on the east face.

### [The First Ascent of the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xxi-the-first-ascent-of-the-matterhorn)

Old Peter, guide who accompanied the party with his sons.

### [Descent of the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xxii-descent-of-the-matterhorn)

Old Peter; holds rope with Whymper after break; cries in terror; later descends with difficulty.

### [Struck by Lightning Upon the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/b-struck-by-lightning-upon-the-matterhorn)

Led the descent and sustained a slightly swollen leg from the lightning strike.

### [E: Ascents of the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/e-ascents-of-the-matterhorn)

Guide on the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 and later ascents.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/peter_taugwalder
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters