Palle Huld, a 15-year-old Danish boy, made history in 1928 by embarking on a solo journey around the world that captured the imagination of many. His daring adventure brought him instant fame and is believed to have inspired Hergé in creating one of the most iconic characters in comic history: Tintin.
An Extraordinary Journey Around the World
Born in 1912 in Copenhagen, Palle Huld was an ordinary boy until he participated in a competition organized by the Danish newspaper Politiken. This contest, launched to celebrate the centenary of Jules Verne, offered a teenager the chance to embark on an adventure, reminiscent of Phileas Fogg in "Around the World in 80 Days." Huld was selected from among 400 candidates to undertake this remarkable journey.
On March 1, 1928, Palle Huld set off from Copenhagen, dressed in a boy scout uniform, with a mission to travel around the world in 44 days without ever taking a plane. His route took him across Europe, Russia, Japan, Canada, and the United States, before he returned triumphantly to Copenhagen. Everywhere he went, crowds cheered him on, fascinated by this fearless teenager taking on a challenge worthy of the greatest explorers.
A Striking Resemblance to Tintin
It was this adventure that is believed to have inspired Hergé, the pen name of Georges Remi, to create Tintin. The young reporter imagined by Hergé is known for his blonde quiff, youthful appearance, and globe-trotting adventures. Although Hergé never explicitly confirmed that Palle Huld was the inspiration for Tintin, the similarities between the two are undeniable.
Like Tintin, Palle Huld was young, fearless, and embarked on adventures around the world, confronting dangers and obstacles with courage and determination. Moreover, photographs of Huld during his journey depict a boy with an open, expressive face, dressed in attire reminiscent of Tintin's iconic outfit.
Palle Huld's Legacy
After his world tour, Palle Huld became a European celebrity. He published a book recounting his adventures, titled "Jorden rundt i 44 Dage" ("Around the World in 44 Days"), which was widely successful. Later, he pursued a career as an actor in Danish theater and film, never distancing himself from the exploit that had made him famous.
Palle Huld passed away in 2010 at the age of 98, but his adventure continues to captivate history enthusiasts and Tintin fans alike. Whether or not he directly inspired Hergé, his 1928 journey around the world left a lasting legacy, embodying the spirit of adventure and discovery that permeates the Tintin albums.
Conclusion
Palle Huld's story is that of a young boy who, through his audacity and adventurous spirit, made a significant mark on his time. Whether Hergé was directly inspired by him to create Tintin, he remains an emblematic figure, symbolizing the fearless youth ready to face the world. His extraordinary journey, immortalized by the media of the time, remains a key moment in the history of exploration and 20th-century popular culture.
Tisourcier, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Aventures_de_Tintin#/media/Fichier:Kuifje_en_Bobby_Le_Lombard.jpg
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