Adventures with Purpose

Hosted by Richard Bangs, who is often called "the father of modern adventure travel," Adventures with Purpose "Norway: Quest for the Viking Spirit" is a new documentary in this series of adventure travel, eco-conscience, and historical specials. According to Bangs; "Adventures with Purpose not only quicken the pulse and fire the synopsis, they are also journeys of enlightenment and discovery-odysseys, that make a difference."

Adventures with Purpose is produced by Small World Productions, the makers of Smart Travels-Europe and Pacific Rim with Rudy Maxa, and Travels in Europe with Rick Steves. The special is co-produced by KCTS/Seattle, and Richard Bangs Productions of Marina del Rey, California.

A thousand years ago, Vikings set out from the fjords of Norway striking fear across Europe. Yet today this ruggedly beautiful country is the home of the Nobel Peace Center, of explorers and adventure travelers and one of the most eco-friendly countries on earth. Bangs' quest is to discover how such a progressive nation grew from such a violent past-if modern Norway is a result of its Viking heritage or a reaction to it. This time Richard's adventures take him the length of Norway on a Quest for the Viking Spirit.

In 793 AD long ships with dragon-headed bows and square sails crossed the North Sea and landed on England's shore. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, "The ravages of heathen men miserably destroyed God's church on Lindesfarne." Since that time the name "Viking" has been synonymous with pirates, violence and terror. But today modern Norwegians are active in peace and conflict resolution on a global scale. Norwegian women have one of the highest political participation rates and are active in gender equality issues worldwide. Norway is proud of its successful ecology efforts at home and actively supports ecology solutions in developing countries.

Please check your local PBS station for showings in your area.