Questions About Kon-Tiki

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Kon-Tiki, please sign up.

Answered Questions (5)

Where does Thor Heyerdahl's theories regarding early Polynesian people stand within modern conventional wisdom? Have they been confirmed? Unconfirmed? Deemed downright ludicrous?

Ami His theory is considered wrong. The common opinion (nowadays proved by genetic evidence) is that Polynesian origin is from Austronesian peoples, and c…moreHis theory is considered wrong. The common opinion (nowadays proved by genetic evidence) is that Polynesian origin is from Austronesian peoples, and came from Taiwan, Indonesia and Philippines. The migration occurred gradually, at 2000BC-1000AC . The Austronesian peoples were later replaced at their origin lands by the current Chinese people.

See:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynes...

There have probably been later travels from either South America to Polynesia, or raids from Polynesia to South America and back. But the main migration was from south Asia.
(less)

flag

Is there any racist or white savior theme in this book?

Faith Yes, there are undertones throughout. It's not as strong or deliberate as other books from this era, but it's definitely there.

There's a tone of 'bri…moreYes, there are undertones throughout. It's not as strong or deliberate as other books from this era, but it's definitely there.

There's a tone of 'bringing important information to Polynesia' and mentions 'going back to the real world/20th century' when they leave Polynesia.
(less)

flag

how did thor come up with his theory?

Jules Not only the potato word, but he also recognized that some god's names and symbols were the same in Peru and Polynesia…moreNot only the potato word, but he also recognized that some god's names and symbols were the same in Peru and Polynesia(less)

flag

any strong female characters in this book?

Eileen No, I don't even recall any women being mentioned. Heyerdahl had a wife who he lived in Polynesia with, but she was not a part of this excursion.…moreNo, I don't even recall any women being mentioned. Heyerdahl had a wife who he lived in Polynesia with, but she was not a part of this excursion.(less)

flag

Why five? They were 6 men on board (plus a parrot)!

Eileen "Heyerdahl and five other adventurers" makes 6 (plus the parrot, haha!)…more"Heyerdahl and five other adventurers" makes 6 (plus the parrot, haha!)(less)

flag

Unanswered Questions

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more