In 1947, a Norwegian adventurer by the name of Tor Hiredal set out to prove a theory of his that the people of Polynesia came there from South America.

To prove his theory, he built a raft out of local materials in Peru and set sail across the

Pacific. His voyage was successful but the same couldn't be said for his theories.

Learn more about Tor Hiredall and the Kontiki expedition on this its creator, the Norwegian Twix. The

the story of the Kontiki expedition began with its creator, the Norwegian Tor Hiredal.

Hiredal was born on October 6, 1914 in Larvik Norway.

He grew up with a love for adventure and exploration which would shape his career and his life's work.

Heardal's interest in exploration began during his childhood, where he would often explore the nearby forests and coastal areas. He was also fascinated by

archaeology and anthropology which led him to study these subjects at the

University of Oslo. During his university years, Hiredal also became interested in the cultural and historical connections between different parts of the world, which would later inform his theories and expeditions.

In 1936, Heardall moved to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, where he researched local

Polynesian culture and wrote his thesis on the area's prehistoric people.

Heardal's experience living among the Polynesians and his fascination with their seafaring culture would later inspire his Kontiki expedition.

During World War II, Heardall served in the Norwegian army and worked as a radio operator.

After the war he moved to New York City where he met his future wife,

a member of the Norwegian consulate.

The couple would go on to have four children.

While these biographical facts help explain how Tor Hiredall became the

persona he was, what makes him interesting enough for a podcast episode are the theories

that he developed while he was living in French Polynesia.

The origin of the Polynesians was an open question in the first half of the 20th century.

Somehow, these people managed the greatest feats of navigation in history to

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