The Franklin Expedition is one of the most notorious tragedies in the history of Arctic exploration. Led by Sir John Franklin, the expedition set out in 1845 with the goal of mapping the Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, after two years of no contact, search efforts were launched, and what was discovered was a grim scene that has puzzled historians for more than a century.
Rumors and evidence found at the time suggested that members of the expedition had resorted to cannibalism to survive. But did they really? Let’s explore this dark chapter in history.
The Tragic Fate of Franklin Expedition
In 1845, Sir John Franklin led two ships – HMS Erebus and HMS Terror – with 129 crew members to explore the Arctic. They were equipped with advanced technology for their time, including steam engines and canned food. However, they were ill-prepared for Arctic conditions and faced numerous challenges such as ice damage to their ships and harsh weather conditions.
After being trapped in ice for almost two years, no one had heard from Franklin’s expedition. In 1848, search parties were sent out to find them. What was discovered was horrifying: evidence suggested that all crew members had died from starvation, exposure to cold temperatures or disease.
The Evidence of Cannibalism
The evidence found at the time suggested that some members of the expedition had resorted to cannibalism in an attempt to survive. For example:
- Forensic examination revealed cut marks on bones that appeared consistent with butchery.
- Personal accounts from Inuit people in the area reported seeing “white men who were dying” resorting to cannibalism.
- Expedition member James Fitzjames’ diary contained entries suggesting that members of his party had discussed resorting to cannibalism.
Despite this, there is no concrete evidence that can prove without a doubt that cannibalism occurred. Franklin’s expedition members had been dead for years by the time search teams found them, and their remains had deteriorated in the harsh Arctic conditions.
Why Would They Resort to Cannibalism?
Cannibalism is often considered taboo and viewed as a last resort option. So why would the members of Franklin’s expedition resort to it?
The answer lies in the extreme conditions they faced. The Arctic can be an incredibly harsh environment, with temperatures regularly dropping to -30°C (-22°F) or colder.
In these circumstances, it would have been challenging to find food sources and maintain body warmth. On top of this, their supplies were limited, and they had no way of getting more food.
In this context, it’s easier to understand why some may have resorted to cannibalism as a means of staying alive.
The Legacy of the Franklin Expedition
The Franklin Expedition remains one of history’s most significant tragedies. It has inspired many works of literature and art, including Dan Simmons’ novel “The Terror” and AMC’s TV series based on it.
Today, we remember Sir John Franklin and his crew as brave explorers who risked their lives for discovery. But we also remember the grim reality they faced in the Arctic: starvation, disease and death.
In Conclusion
While there is no concrete evidence that proves that members of the Franklin Expedition resorted to cannibalism, the circumstances suggest that it was possible. The harsh conditions they faced would have made survival difficult, if not impossible without drastic measures like consuming flesh from already dead crew members. We may never know for sure what happened on that tragic expedition but remembering it serves as a reminder of both human endurance and mortality in the face of adversity.