Sinbad and the Seven Secrets of the Sea

Chapter – 1

(1) Hindbad the Porter

In the city of Baghdad, during the reign of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, there lived a poor porter named Hindbad.

One summer day, Hindbad, weary from a long walk and panting from the heat, sat down to rest beside a tall palace. The palace was surrounded by a beautiful garden, and he placed his heavy load beside him.

A sweet breeze wafting from the garden carried the fragrance of scented flowers to him. From the direction of the palace came the aroma of delicious kebabs and tempting food.

Hindbad could hear the chirping of various kinds of birds in the branches of the trees. He also heard singing and the pleasant sounds of musical instruments from inside the palace, which made him feel as if the people there were engrossed in some joyous celebration.

(2) The Owner of the Palace

Hindbad approached a servant, whom he saw dressed in very expensive and beautiful clothes. When he asked him the name of the owner of this magnificent palace, the servant was astonished and said, "How can you ask such a question? Who in all of Baghdad does not know Sindbad the Sailor—the owner of this palace—whose fame has spread to the horizons? He is the one who has travelled the seas, visited various countries, and seen all the wonders of the world."

(3) The Complaint of Hindbad the Porter

After this, the porter returned to his place and began to think about this opulence. He had often heard people talk about the vast wealth acquired by Sindbad.

When Hammal Hindbad saw the beauty of the garden, the splendor of the palace, and the abundance and comfort within it, and felt his own poverty and hardship, he cried out in anger, "O my Lord, how holy are You! You enrich whom You will and impoverish whom You will; You honor whom You will and humiliate whom You will. I bear worry and sorrow for the sustenance of myself and my family, enduring hardship and terror, while this Sindbad lives in this vast palace with all its wealth and comfort without any toil! What has Sindbad done to deserve this favor? And what have I done that this misery is written upon me? I always start my day in weariness, live in hardship, and my burden only increases. Yet others are happy without any effort, and the weight of time has never been as heavy as my own burden!"

While Hindbad was absorbed in these thoughts, a servant came out of the palace and summoned him to meet his master. The porter became fearful of the consequences and realized that Sindbad must have heard everything he had said. So he apologized to the servant and tried to escape from his grasp, but he could not. Finally, he went with him in fear, expecting something bad to happen.

(4) In Sindbad's Presence

Walking with Sindbad, the porter reached a luxurious chamber. In the middle of the room, a table was laid with delicious food, drinks, fruits, and various kinds of nuts. He saw a group of distinguished people of society. In the most prominent place of the gathering, he saw a handsome, high-ranking, and influential-looking man whose beard had begun to show streaks of white. The porter understood that this was Sindbad, the owner of the palace. He lowered his head and greeted them very respectfully. Sindbad welcomed him warmly and drew him near until his fear subsided. He invited him to eat, and he ate with satisfaction. Then, Sindbad the Sailor asked him about his name and profession. After that, he said, "Repeat to me now what you were saying just now at the bottom of the palace!"

Then, Hindbad the porter was dumbfounded, and signs of hesitation and agitation appeared in him. Then he said, "O my master, forgive me. It was the pain of poverty and hardship that compelled me to say those words. Please pardon my mistake and do not hold me accountable for my fault!"

Sindbad said, "I will not blame you for what you have said. Rather, I have sympathized with you and felt sorry for you. From today, you are my brother and friend. However, I want to tell you a truth that you do not know, and to dispel the misconception in your mind. You think that I obtained this vast wealth without any toil or effort, but I acquired it only after enduring countless hardships and facing terrible dangers, which are even difficult to describe. I will tell you the stories of my seven voyages and the dangers and risks I encountered, which would make even children tremble with fear. So that you yourself may understand how much suffering I had to endure to achieve this happiness that you see and are astonished by."

(5) After the Death of Sindbad's Father

My father was one of the great merchants of Baghdad. When he died, he left me a large fortune – and at that time, I was a reckless youth. From that immense wealth left by my father, I spent lavishly on myself and my friends, wealth that I had not toiled to earn. For a long time, I continued in this way, without giving any thought to the consequences of this extravagance.

Then one day, my delusion was shattered when I saw that only a small amount of my wealth remained. I realized that if I continued in this state, all that I had would be gone, and my fate would be destitution and ruin. Perhaps I would even have to beg from people. Fearful of this bad end, I became anxious and said to myself: "The possibility of poverty and the humiliation of begging in one's later life is something that no gentleman can accept. And idleness is the key to poverty." I remembered that true proverb that people say: "He who does not face danger does not attain the desired object." So I decided to travel, and I sold all the goods that remained with me. With that money, I bought merchandise to trade and set off from the city of Baghdad towards the city of Basra with a group of merchants. There, a large ship set sail with us on the path of the Persian Gulf.

(6) Seasickness

This was my first sea voyage, so as soon as I went to sea, I became ill. After a while, however, I recovered and then became accustomed to the sea air. My health also returned.

The ship carried us from one island to another and from one country to another. Wherever we stopped, we engaged in buying and selling.

(7) On the Back of a Whale

As we were sailing through the middle of the sea, suddenly we saw a small island appearing on the water. We approached it, and some merchants disembarked there – I also disembarked with them. We spent a long time on that island, playing and enjoying ourselves. When it was time for lunch, we brought wood from the ship and lit a fire on it to cook. No sooner had we lit the fire than the island shook violently with us on it. We cried out in fear, and the captain of the ship called out to us, "Save yourselves, before destruction comes!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than the island completely sank into the sea in an instant. Those who were near the ship quickly returned to it and saved their lives, while the rest drowned.

(8) The True Identity of the Island

In reality, it was not an island – as we had thought – but rather one of the huge whales of the sea, which was sleeping on the surface of the water. When we lit a fire on it, it felt the heat and woke up and dived into the depths of the sea. As a result, those who could escape survived, and the rest drowned.

(9) How I Survived the Sinking

Being far from the ship, I could not reach it and was about to drown, had I not managed to hold onto a plank of wood that had been brought for the ship's fuel and somehow stayed afloat. I called out to the ship's crew with all my strength, but they were so bewildered by fear that no one heard me.

I saw the ship disappear before my eyes, and I was tossed about at the mercy of the raging waves. The fear of drowning haunted me at every moment.

When night fell, I was sure that my death was near. But despite such exhaustion and fear, I did not lose hope. I remained in that state all night. Finally, when morning came, the waves threw me onto the shore of a high island, where there were many trees leaning towards the sea. Fortunately, I found a hanging tree branch and managed to climb onto the island with great difficulty by holding onto it.

As soon as I reached the island, I collapsed on the ground in weakness – the intensity of what I had endured had left me with no strength. I slept all day and all night. When I woke up the next morning, I saw that my feet were swollen, but I paid no attention to it. Leaning on a stick I had cut from a tree branch, I began to walk, searching for food – hunger had brought me to the brink of death.

However, on that island, I found plenty of ripe fruits, and I also saw a freshwater spring there. I was overjoyed by this and ate to my satisfaction and drank my fill of water!

(10) The Servant of the Great King

After a few days, my weakness passed, and my former strength returned. I began to walk around the island. While walking, I suddenly saw a faint shadow in the distance. I walked towards it and, upon getting closer, saw a horse grazing – and it was tied up. I could hear the sound of several people talking in a cave below the ground. This greatly surprised me.

While I was absorbed in my astonishment, a stranger approached me. He asked me why I had come here. I told him my story, and he was very surprised to hear it. He took me to the cave from which he had emerged. There, I saw a group of people waiting for him. He told them my story. They gave me food and drink, and I ate and drank.

Then I asked them why they had come to this island and why they were hiding in this cave. They told me that they were servants of the great king, the owner of this island. Every year, at this time, the great king sends them and some of his horses to this island to graze. The purpose is that when the sea horse comes and tries to mate with the mare, they will come out of the cave and drive him away. As a result, he will flee into the sea. Then they will take the mare back to their country, where she will give birth to an extraordinary, unparalleled foal.

The Sea Horse

Just then, we heard the cry of the sea horse. We saw through the opening of the cave that he was forcibly trying to take the mare away. Then the people came out of the cave and rushed towards him. Upon seeing them, he fled in fear and jumped into the sea.

(11)At the Court of the Great King

The next day, they took me with them. We walked and walked and finally reached Hindustan. There, they took me to their king, the great king. He asked to know my story, and I told him everything that had happened to me. Upon hearing it, he was greatly astonished and very pleased with me. He honored me and drew me close to himself.

(12) The Seashore

This country had a port where commercial ships from various countries of the world docked every day. So I often went there and asked the newcomers for news of Baghdad, but I could not learn anything from them. A long time passed in this way, and I had grown weary of being abroad, and my heart longed to see my country and my family members.

(13) The Wonders of India

Sometimes I would visit some nearby islands and see many amazing and strange things there.

The most astonishing thing I saw was a huge fish, which was one hundred to two hundred cubits long and whose mouth was like the mouth of an owl. I was as startled to see it as it was to see me. So I realized that it was afraid of me, just as I was afraid of it.

(14) Meeting After Despair

One day, as usual, I went to the seashore. I saw a ship approaching. When it docked at the shore and unloaded its goods, I saw the name of Sindbad on some of the merchandise. When I looked closely at the captain of the ship, I recognized him. I asked him about the owner of these goods. He replied sorrowfully, "Alas! It is Sindbad. He died in our sea voyage. The reason for his drowning was that he and some of his companions climbed onto the back of a huge whale, which we thought was an island. When

the whale dived, they drowned. Only those who were near the ship survived. May Allah have mercy on them all. I have vowed that I will sell his goods and return their value to his family in Baghdad."

I said to the captain of the ship, "I am that Sindbad you are talking about, and this merchandise is mine."

Then the captain looked at me and cried out angrily, "By Allah! Trust has been lost among people, and honesty has disappeared! How can you claim that you are Sindbad, when I saw him drown in the sea with my own eyes?"

I said to him, "Do not be angry with me and do not rush to call my words a lie."

Then I explained to him everything that had happened to me. I told him everything that had passed between us from the time we set sail from Basra until the whale dived. Then the truth of my words became clear to him. He was very happy that I was alive and embraced me. My companions came to me and congratulated me on my safety and rescue from drowning. Then I thanked the captain for his loyalty and wanted to reward him for his deed, but he refused and accepted nothing from me.

(15) Return to the Homeland

"Then I selected a valuable gift and presented it to the Maharaja." He asked me, "From where did you bring this?" I told him what had happened. Then the truth of my words became clear to him, and he gladly accepted my gift. After that, he ordered that I be given a valuable gift.

When I asked him for permission to travel, he granted it to me – after expressing his sorrow at my departure. I gratefully took leave of him and sold all the goods I had with me in his country at the highest prices and bought other goods in their place.

Then, after the ship set sail safely, I returned to my country with a great deal of wealth. The sea was calm and the wind was favorable, so we experienced no hardship on our journey until we reached Basra."

(16) In Baghdad

"Then we went from Basra to Baghdad, where my family members rejoiced at my safe return. I bought vast palaces, many slaves and servants, and became one of the wealthiest people in Baghdad." I gave alms to the poor and needy and decided to settle permanently in my country, far from the hardships of travel and the terrors of the sea. The comfort of peace made me forget the hardships and horrors I had endured.

(17) The Astonishment of Those Present

"When Sindbad finished his story, he turned to Hammal Hindbad with a smile and said, 'These are the events that happened to me on my first voyage. Tomorrow, I will tell you what happened on my second voyage and the wondrous things I saw in it.'

Then Hammal Hindbad was astonished, and all those present were amazed by what they had heard.

After that, Sindbad ordered that Hammal be given one hundred dinars and a valuable garment. Then he prayed for him and took leave of him with a grateful and joyful heart. All those present went out with him, intending to return to Sindbad the next day."

2nd voyage

The Valley of Serpents

How My Companions Forgot Me?

Yesterday, I told you that I had resolved to spend the rest of my days in peace in Baghdad, so that I would never again encounter the perils and terrors of travel. But after some time, I grew weary of this tranquil life, tired of the indolent existence, and my heart yearned for travel and sea voyages. So, I bought a large quantity of goods and traveled from Baghdad to Basra, where I boarded a ship with a group of merchants. Our ship sailed from one island to another and from one country to another, and our business was profitable until we reached a large and beautiful island, rich in vegetation and fruits, and through which flowed springs and rivers.

We disembarked there and found no trace of any human being. We ate its fruits and drank its sweet water. Then my companions went to explore the island, and I sat alone in the shade of a large tree, near a spring of water by a flowerbed. Then I fell asleep – and I do not know how many hours I slept – and upon waking, my heart was filled with fear and terror, for I looked for my companions but could find no sign of them!

It was then that I learned that the ship had sailed with them, and none of them had noticed my absence. I rushed to the shore with the speed of an arrow – driven mad by the intensity of despair and hopelessness – and saw the ship slowly disappear from my sight. I cried out in pain and fell unconscious to the ground, overwhelmed by despair and terror. I remained in that state for a long time. When I regained consciousness, I severely rebuked myself for this accursed voyage and regretted my travels, when regret and reproach were of no avail!

The Roc's Egg

I looked around, but could find no one. Then I climbed a tall tree and looked in all directions towards the sea. Nothing met my eye but water and sky. Then I looked inland on the island and saw in the distance a large white dome glistening in the sunlight. I climbed down from the tree and ran towards it with all my might. As I approached, I saw that it was incredibly tall, reaching towards the sky. I touched it with my hand and found it to be very smooth.

It was impossible to climb it in any way. I walked around it, but could find no door or entrance. When I measured its circumference, I found it to be fifty paces.

The Roc Bird

While I was pondering this, suddenly I saw the surrounding area grow dark. A huge black object was approaching me, which blotted out the light from my eyes. Looking closely, I saw that it was a gigantic bird. Immediately, I remembered the stories I had heard from travelers and merchants about the Roc bird. I realized that this enormous dome was actually the egg of that bird. As soon as the Roc landed, it sat on its egg and covered it with its wings, falling asleep. I looked at its feet and saw that its talons were so large that they resembled the trunks of trees. Then I took off my turban and tied it very tightly to one of its legs, hoping that the next day it would carry me from this desolate island to some other place. My assumption proved correct. No sooner did dawn break than it began to fly and soared so high into the sky that the ground disappeared from my sight. It carried me for some time, then suddenly landed on the ground, and I fell unconscious. When I regained consciousness, I saw the Roc standing on the ground. I immediately untied my binding and was overjoyed to be free from that deserted island.

The Valley of Snakes

But my joy did not last long. Suddenly, I saw a huge Roc bird swoop down and snatch a large snake, swallowing it whole. Then it flew into the sky and eventually disappeared from my sight.

Then I looked around and regretted leaving the island and coming to this terrifying place. It seemed that whoever came here was doomed. Unfortunately, the Roc bird had landed me in a deep valley, surrounded by high mountains on all sides. There was no way to climb up, no way for a human to escape from there. I said to myself, "Surely we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. Whenever we escape one danger, we fall into a greater one!"

The Diamond Stones

Looking at the ground of the valley, I saw that its stones were full of diamonds. This filled me with great joy. But my joy did not last long either. For I saw countless terrifying snakes in the valley, so enormous that they could easily swallow an elephant. Fortunately, these snakes hid in caves and holes during the day, out of fear of the Roc bird. The Roc was their mortal enemy, seizing and swallowing them whenever it saw them. But as soon as night fell, these snakes would come out into the valley.

Inside the Cave

I walked all day in that valley. When night fell, I quickly entered a small cave and blocked its entrance with a large stone to protect myself from the snakes' attacks. I ate the little food I had brought from the island and tried to sleep, but sleep would not come. For I could hear the hissing of the snakes in front of the cave, which filled my heart with fear. All night, I waited fearfully for something bad to happen.

The Next Morning

When morning came, I could no longer hear the hissing of the snakes. I understood that they had returned to their holes and caves. I expressed my gratitude to Allah for this. Then I came out of the cave and began to walk along the valley. My heart was filled with deep sorrow – thinking about the tragic end I had reached. No matter how precious the diamonds and jewels were there, they held no value for me then. I thought to myself, how much better it would have been if there had been some food or water in this valley instead of all these precious stones.

A little further on, I saw a large rock and sat down there – my heart heavy, with no hope of survival. Exhausted, I fell asleep for a while. Suddenly, I woke up with a start, my eyes opening in fear, and saw beside me, on the ground of the valley, large pieces of meat falling from above.

How the Merchants Collect Diamonds

Then I remembered the stories I had heard from the merchants – about the Valley of Diamonds and the marvelous method of collecting diamonds. They used to say that they would slaughter sheep, skin them, and throw the soft meat down into the valley. Pieces of diamond would stick to the meat. After a while, eagles would come and carry the meat to the mountain peaks. Then the merchants would shout and frighten the birds, causing them to drop the meat in fear and flee. The merchants would then collect the diamonds from the meat and later give the meat to the birds to eat.

I had previously considered this method a fable, something people said in jest. But today, I saw with my own eyes – it was indeed true.

How Sinbad Escaped the Valley of Diamonds

Then a hope of survival sprang up in my mind. I collected the most valuable diamonds, then lay down – placing a piece of slaughtered sheep's meat on my body and holding on to it tightly. After a while, eagles came and picked up the meat and flew away. A large bird picked me up along with the meat and carried me to the top of the mountain. Then some merchants rushed over, and the birds, seeing them, flew away in fright.

I then stood up. When the owner of the sheep realized that there was nothing left of his meat, he cried out in despair, struck his forehead, and wept, for all his labor had been in vain. Then I went to him and greeted him, and he calmed down a little. I gave him many diamonds. He was filled with joy, his sorrow turning to happiness. Then he asked about my story. I told him everything. He and the other merchants were overwhelmed with astonishment.

Return to Baghdad

After that, I set out with those merchants towards my country, Baghdad. On the way, I saw many strange events and wondrous things – things that would astound even the most intelligent of people. Thus, we traveled day and night until we reached Baghdad. I had with me so many diamonds that their value was unimaginable – for they were extremely rare and precious.

As soon as I entered Baghdad, my family and friends were overjoyed to see me. They were beside themselves with happiness at the news of my return. I distributed alms among the poor and needy. Then I resolved never to travel again – to spend the rest of my life in Baghdad.

When Sinbad finished his tale, he gave a hundred dinars to the porter (Hammaal). The porter prayed for him, gratefully accepted the money, and departed. All present returned with the promise that they would come again the next day to hear Sinbad.

The next day, when everyone had gathered, Sinbad began to tell the story of his third voyage. He said...

The Third Voyage: The Land of the Dwarves and the Land of the Giants

The Rise of the Storm

After returning from the second voyage, I lived for some time in Baghdad in peace and tranquility. My heart was content, and there was no sorrow or hardship in my life. However, after a while, my heart grew weary of this idle and comfortable life, and a desire for new travels arose – especially those voyages where there was a possibility of great profit.

So, I bought a large quantity of goods and set off from Baghdad to Basra with them. There, I and several merchants rented a large ship. Our ship sailed on the sea, and we journeyed from one country to another, from one island to another. Wherever we went, we sold goods, bought new ones, and made a great profit.

Thus our voyage continued, when suddenly a violent storm arose. Huge waves tossed our ship about, and every moment we feared sinking. We lost our way and drifted aimlessly on the sea for several days. Just then, a large island came into our sight.

As soon as the captain of the ship saw the island, he clapped his hands to his face, tore off his turban, threw it to the ground, and cried out in terror:

"We are finished! There is no hope left – we are doomed!"

With the Dwarves

We asked the captain, "Why are you so afraid?"

He said, "This island and the surrounding islands are inhabited by a race of people who look like dwarves, but they are barbaric and fierce. Although they are small in size, their numbers are vast, and we can never resist them."

Immediately after these words, we saw those barbaric dwarves advancing towards us through the water. They surrounded us from all sides. Each one was no more than two spans tall, and they wore red woolen garments. They spoke in a language that none of us understood.

Then they seized our ship and quickly took it towards the island. Their numbers were so great that we could not resist them in any way. Finally, we were forced to surrender.

They took us off the ship and left us on the shore of the island, and they sailed away with the ship to some place whose name we did not even know. And we were left there – agitated, bewildered, with no way out.

Then, helpless, we began to walk on the island – our hearts heavy, with no hope of escape or survival.

The Giant's Palace

At the far end of the island, we saw a huge palace. We set out towards it and finally reached it. We found it to be a tall, strongly built fortress. Together, with great difficulty, we opened its massive door and entered.

Upon entering the inner courtyard, our eyes fell upon a huge pile of human bones. Seeing this sight, we were terrified, and our hearts were filled with fear. In terror, none of us could utter a single word. All day, we waited in fear and silence.

After the sun had set, we suddenly heard the dreadful sound of the outer door closing. Immediately after that, we saw a huge giant advancing towards us. His height was like that of a date palm tree! His face was black, and he had only one eye – from which sparks of fire seemed to fly. His mouth had terrifying, long, sharp teeth – enough to make one shudder!

Before the Giant

As soon as we saw the giant, we all froze in terror, as if standing before the embodiment of death. We were completely speechless with fear. The giant stared at us with a terrifying gaze.

Then he came to me and picked me up in his hand – I was like a small bird in his grasp! He looked at me closely, and seeing me thin and weak, he let me go. Then he seized another one of us, and finding him also weak, he did not like him either.

How Rayyan Was Roasted

Then the giant looked at Rayyan. Seeing him plump and healthy, the giant was pleased. He seized Rayyan and crushed his neck with his hand, killing him.

Then he picked up a long skewer and thrust it through Rayyan's body. He lit a fire with firewood and turned Rayyan over the flames, roasting him. He did not stop until he had completely cooked and eaten him.

Finally, he ate Rayyan's flesh and threw the bones to the ground. Then he fell asleep, and the loud snoring that came from his sleep shook our hearts with fear and terror.

The Next Day

The next morning, the giant went out of the palace and left us there. Then, in despair, we went out onto the island, and we thought – if only we had drowned in the sea, we would not have fallen into the hands of this terrible giant. Such a horrific death had never even crossed our minds.

All day, we searched the interior of the island for a place where we could hide; but we could not find a suitable place. So, we were forced to return to the palace again, filled with fear.

After a while, the giant returned and, just like the previous day, seized one of us, roasted him over the fire, and ate him. Then he fell asleep and snored loudly until morning. Then he went out somewhere – we did not know where.

We went out onto the island again – distressed and bewildered. One of our friends suggested that we simply jump into the sea and choose death – in this way, we could at least escape this monstrous death.

However, the others said that we should rather devise a plan to kill the giant.

The Boat of Escape

I gave them a suggestion: let us build a boat out of the wood of the trees, so that even if we cannot kill the giant, we can at least escape. Everyone was pleased with my proposal.

Then we began to work with diligence and enthusiasm. When the boat was finished, we loaded it with the necessary provisions and tied it to the shore of the sea.

The Implementation of the Plot

We returned to the palace again. The giant came and, as before, roasted and ate another of our companions. Then he fell asleep, and his loud snoring shook the entire palace.

Then we heated two iron spits in the fire until they became red-hot. Then, while the giant was sleeping, we thrust both spits together into his only eye.

He cried out in such a terrifying voice from the pain that our blood ran cold. He rose up like a madman, searching for us, but he had become blind – he could not find us.

He opened the door and went outside. We were happy, thinking that we had finally been freed from his terror!

The Giants' Revenge

But our joy did not last long. After a short time, we saw a group of giants advancing towards us – they looked just like the previous giant, equally terrifying and cruel.

Seeing them, we ran towards the boat we had built and launched it into the sea.

However, they began to throw huge stones at us. All my companions were killed by their stones, except for two – who barely escaped with their lives along with me.

Escape from the Island of the Giants

Having barely survived the giants, we now fell at the mercy of the raging sea – we struggled with the waves all day and all night.

Finally, in the morning, the sea waves washed us ashore on a large island. We were overjoyed! We ate the delicious fruits of the island and filled our stomachs, and we drank the clear water of its springs.

Then we sat down on the seashore – our hearts truly filled with relief at the thought that we had finally escaped the terrifying island of the giants.

In the Mouth of the Snake

At night, we slept on a tall tree, hoping to avoid any danger. But in the middle of the night, I woke up to see a huge snake swallowing one of my companions!

We could clearly hear the sound of his bones breaking as it swallowed our comrade. We were so frightened, so terrified, that only these words escaped our lips:

"La hawla wala quwwata illa billahil aliyyil azim!"

(There is no power or might except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great!)

I said, "Every time we escape one danger, we fall into another even more terrifying!"

The next morning, we ate again and prepared ourselves. At night, we climbed another tree. I slept on the highest branch of the tree, and my last companion on a branch a little lower down.

But after a while, the same terrifying snake came and swallowed him as well, just as it had done the previous night!

How Sinbad Escaped the Snake

I spent the whole night in terror. In the morning, I thought of jumping into the sea and ending my life, but the desire to live prevented me from doing so. So, I braced myself.

Before nightfall, I gathered some wooden planks and tied them tightly around my body. When night came, the snake came again, as it had on the previous nights, and tried to swallow me as well, just as it had swallowed my two companions.

But the wooden planks were tied so securely around me that the snake could not bite me at all. All night, it circled around and tried to find a gap to enter, but it could not.

Finally, in the morning, it went away. Then I untied the planks and came out, and I thanked Allah for saving me from this danger.

Hope Amidst Despair

Then I sat down on the seashore – despondent, broken with grief. I thought about how many dangers I had overcome! Suddenly, I saw a large ship in the distance.

I shouted loudly, sometimes waving my hand, sometimes waving my turban to try and attract their attention. Finally, some people on the ship saw me.

They brought the ship close to the island and anchored. I greeted them, and they returned my greeting. I was overjoyed to see them. They took me aboard the ship and inquired about my condition. Then I told them my whole story.

They were very surprised by my words and gave me food, drink, and great honor.

The Ship's Captain

The vessel continued its journey with us until we reached a large city. There, the captain said to me, "I have merchandise belonging to a man named Sindbad the Sailor, who was with us but whom we forgot on an island we passed by."

I looked closely at the captain and recognized him. I informed him that I was Sindbad the Sailor. At first, he did not believe me. The merchants gathered around me, and among them was the trader whose animal I had clung to during my previous voyage, the one I recounted to you. He barely looked at me before he recognized me and told them what had happened between us. The captain then fixed his gaze upon me, recognized me, and became certain of the truth of my words. He embraced me, overjoyed and delighted.

In Baghdad

We continued to travel from country to country and from island to island, our trade proving profitable, until we reached Basra. From there, I journeyed to Baghdad, carrying immense wealth. My family and friends came to greet me, congratulating me on my safe return, and their joy in me was indescribable.

When Sindbad finished his tale, he ordered a hundred dinars to be given to the porter. The porter thanked him and departed with the others present. The following day, when they had assembled again, Sindbad began to narrate his fourth voyage, saying:

The Fourth Voyage

How the Ship Was Destroyed

I spent a long time in Baghdad, living in peace, luxury, and pleasure. During this time, I forgot the hardships and sufferings of my previous voyages. But once again, the desire for travel stirred within me—driven by the hope of profit.

Without the slightest hesitation, I made my decision. I bought a large quantity of goods and merchandise and set off from the city of Baghdad towards the city of Basra. There, I and some other merchants chartered a large sailing ship. The ship carried us day after day, night after night. The wind was favorable, and everything was going well. At the places where we stopped, we traded, sold, and bought goods.

But suddenly, a violent storm descended upon us. The storm destroyed our ship and tore its sails to shreds.

All our merchandise sank, and many passengers were swallowed by the sea. Only I and a few other merchants survived; we swam in the sea for almost half a day. Later, we found a floating piece of wood and clung to it. After the storm subsided and the wind calmed, it carried us for a day and a night. Finally, the waves cast us ashore on an island. We were so tired and weak that we were like the dead.

The Island of the Cannibals

We walked through the island and saw many trees, fruits, grass, and sources of water. We ate and drank water and slept through the night. The next morning, we started walking on the island again. Suddenly, a tall palace appeared before us. We moved towards it. When we reached the palace, some wild-looking people appeared before us. They were barefoot and completely naked. As soon as they saw us, they seized us and took us to their king.

The king asked us to sit, and we sat down. Then food was brought before us. My companions ate the food, but my appetite was gone, so I did not eat—and this was my good fortune. For as soon as my companions ate that food, they began to show signs of madness and insanity. I was deeply saddened by their condition and realized that the food they had eaten was the cause of their madness.

Such was the custom of the cannibals of this island—they would feed this strange food to any unfortunate travelers whose fate brought them to their island. People would eat it out of greed and become mad. Then they would continue to eat this food every day until their bodies became fat, and then the cannibals would eat them.

Having learned this terrible truth, I was very frightened and stopped eating their food. I survived by eating only grass and herbs. As a result, my body became so thin that they no longer paid any attention to me and did not feel the need to guard me.

Every day, one of the cannibals would take one of our companions outside, just as a shepherd herds cattle or goats; that is how they guarded us.

Sinbad Escapes from the Cannibals and Gilan

One day, an opportunity arose before me—I immediately fled from the shepherd. I ran with all my might and kept running until night fell. I slept for a while during the night, but fear woke me up. Then I started walking again. In this way, I continued for seven days. During my journey, I survived by eating whatever coconuts (Indian coconuts, i.e., green coconuts) I found—they were my food and drink.

I walked during the day and slept at night.

The Seashore

When I reached the seashore, I saw some people gathering peppercorns (fullful). As soon as they saw me, they greeted me and asked in Arabic, “Where have you come from?”

Then I narrated to them my experience with the cannibals. They congratulated me on my safe return and gave me delicious food, which I ate with satisfaction.

At the King's Court

Later, when they went to their king, I also narrated my story to him. He was extremely surprised by the story and treated me with honor and gave me shelter. The next day, I went out into the city and saw that it was a large and populous city, where the markets were very busy.

The Horse Saddle

But I noticed that the people of that country rode horses, but their horses had no saddles or bridles—there was no difference in this regard between the high and low, rich and poor. I went to the king and told him about this matter with astonishment.

The king said, “I do not know of the thing you speak of, nor have I ever seen it.” He requested me to make a saddle and bridle for his horse.

Then I gathered some skilled and intelligent workers and assigned each one to his appropriate task. After that, the saddle was prepared, and I decorated it with expensive goldwork. I taught the blacksmith how to make stirrups and a bridle. When everything was ready, I took the king to a horse with the saddle, bridle, and stirrups and explained the benefits of each to him.

The king ordered his horse to be brought. I put the saddle and bridle on the horse. The king rode it and was extremely pleased. He sincerely thanked me for this valuable gift and rewarded me generously.

After that, the nobles of the court also requested me to make such saddles and bridles for their horses. I granted their requests, and they showered me with valuable gifts. As a result, I became wealthy in a short time.

Sindbad's Marriage

One day, the King said to me, "Oh, Sindbad, my entire court and I love you beyond measure. We desire for you to remain with us forever, and for this reason, you must marry, so that you do not leave us. I have chosen a beautiful and wealthy maiden for you. What do you say?"

I could not disobey the King's command and agreed to marry the girl. She was exceedingly beautiful and well-mannered. We began to live together very happily and peacefully. However, a thought constantly revolved in my mind – I awaited an opportunity to return to my own land as soon as possible and wondered when the first ship would arrive at this island.

Buried Alive with the Dead

Some time later, an event occurred that I had never imagined. The wife of one of my dear neighbors passed away. He was one of my closest friends. I went to console him, but I saw him so broken with grief and sorrow that words cannot describe it.

I said to him, "Brother, have courage, do not grieve." I wished him a long life.

But he said in a despondent voice, "How can there be a long life? Only an hour separates me from my death now!"

I said in astonishment, "Have patience, Allah will increase your days, you will forget this sorrow, and nothing worse will happen."

He said, "No, there is no hope for a long life, because I will be buried alive with my wife. Within an hour! I have already bid farewell to my family and friends!"

I was dumbfounded and astonished by his words. I asked him, "How will you be buried alive with your wife?" He said, "It is the custom of our country – when a man's wife dies, he is buried alive with her, and if a woman's husband dies, she is likewise buried with him."

I was even more surprised and asked, "Can no one change this cruel custom?" He replied despondently, "It is impossible! This law applies to the entire island – to everyone from the King to the common people."

Before he could finish speaking, his relatives and acquaintances gathered. They placed the deceased wife in a coffin, and all the jewelry she wore was placed with her. Then they carried both of them outside the city towards a deep pit.

The mouth of the pit was covered with a large stone. They removed the lid, threw the wife into the pit, and then tied the husband with a long rope and lowered him down. They gave him a water jug and seven loaves of bread to take with him. After lowering him, they closed the pit's lid with the stone again and returned.

Complaint to the King

I cannot describe to you the terror and despair that gripped me after witnessing that scene. I quickly rushed to the island's King and informed him of that cruel custom – which I had not seen in any other country in the world. The King said with a smile, "This is the law of our land. This law applies to me as much as it does to all my subjects. If the Queen dies before me, I too will be buried with her, and if I die before her, she will be buried with me."

I asked in astonishment, "Does this cruel law also apply to foreigners?"

He said, "Yes, this rule applies to everyone who marries in this city – regardless of their nationality."

I returned with a heavy heart. From then on, even the slightest discomfort in my wife's body would fill me with terror. If she was slightly ill, my sleep would be ruined. Even if she cut a finger, I would stay awake all night in fear – in case she died!

The Death of Sindbad's Wife

Finally, what I feared most happened. Within a few days, my wife fell ill and then died. This event struck my life like a thunderbolt. I recalled all my previous voyages and hardships – through which I had barely survived – but this terrifying situation was even worse. For this time, I would be buried alive!

They bathed my wife's body, wrapped it in the most beautiful clothes, and adorned her with all her jewelry. Then I walked behind her, accompanied by the ministers and nobles of the kingdom, and the prominent citizens of the city – even the King himself was there. Together we set off towards that accursed well. Upon arriving, they opened the lid and lowered my wife's body into the well.

Then the King and his people approached me to bid farewell. I cried out in terror and began to plead with them with folded hands – hoping they would spare me. But no one paid any attention to my words.

Among the Skeletons of the Dead

Then they forcibly lowered me into the well. They sent down a small amount of water and seven loaves of bread with me. Then they covered the mouth of the well again and returned.

I was left alone in that dark well – among the skulls and skeletons of the dead – counting the days, awaiting death every day.

In that dark abyss, a faint light suddenly caught my eye. Then I looked around and saw that there were only piles of bones and skulls of the dead everywhere. My terror increased. I began to blame myself for this ill-fated journey and regretted my actions – where regret was of no use.

Finally, I resigned myself to Allah's decree and began to eat the food and drink the water sparingly, so that it would not run out quickly.

Yet, within a few days, all my food was gone, and I became certain that my death was inevitable. Just then, the lid of the well suddenly opened, and a dead man and his wife were lowered into the well.

They had seven loaves of bread and a water-filled jug with them. Then the well was closed again.

Within moments of the lid closing, the woman died in terror. Then I took her food and water and ate it sparingly for several days. From then on, I waited for when someone else would be lowered alive into the well. They would die of fright, and I would take their food and survive.

In this way, a long time passed. My patience began to wear thin. I grew weary of living in this dark well.

Escape from the Well

One day, fortunately, I saw a shadowy figure approaching me. The place was very dark, so I could not recognize him. But hearing the sound of his breathing, I understood that he was very close.

I stood up in fear, and then the shadowy figure, frightened by me, ran away. I then began to follow him, wanting to see which way he had gone.

I saw him exit through a narrow hole at one end of the well. Then a ray of hope ignited in my heart. I tried with all my might to widen that path – and finally succeeded.

I came out through that path and saw that I had reached the seashore. Then my joy knew no bounds.

After that, I returned to the well and collected as many ornaments and valuable jewels as possible from the bodies of the dead. I gathered everything that was inside their clothes and shrouds, and every day I went to the well to collect something new.

The Boat of Freedom

Every day, I collected as many valuable gems and treasures as I could carry from the well and returned to the seashore. There I waited, hoping that a boat would come to take me to my country or at least away from this accursed island.

One day, as I was sitting on the seashore, I suddenly saw a boat floating in the distance. I immediately stood up and began to shout and wave my hands to attract their attention.

I took a piece of cloth and waved it so that they could see me. Finally, they noticed me and turned their boat towards the shore. When they reached the shore, I greeted them, and they responded courteously.

I requested them to take me with them. They agreed without hesitation. They asked me how I had come to be there.

I did not dare to tell the whole truth, fearing that if any of them were islanders, I would be in danger. So I said:

"I am a merchant, and my ship sank. I floated to this island on a wooden plank, and nothing was saved except this piece of cloth."

I wanted to give the captain of the boat a valuable gift for his kindness. But he refused to accept it, saying,

"I do not take payment for any favor, nor do I expect any reward."

I expressed my gratitude for his great generosity.

Return to My Homeland

I learned from the sailors that they were sailing towards Basra. I was overjoyed by this news.

Then the boat sailed from one island to another, from one country to another. They fed me their own food and were not stingy with anything I needed.

Finally, we reached Basra. I stayed there for a few days. Then I returned to Baghdad from Basra.

My family and friends were incredibly happy to see me. They congratulated me on my safe return.

I donated a large portion of my wealth to the poor and vowed that after this unbearable hardship and dangerous experience, I would never go on another voyage.

When Sindbad finished his story, he ordered one hundred dinars to be given to the porter. The porter gratefully accepted it and took his leave with everyone present.

The next day, when they came again, Sindbad began to tell the wondrous tale of his fifth voyage. He said—

The Fifth Voyage

The City of Apes «II» The Old Man of the Sea «I»

1) The Island of the Rukh Bird

The misfortunes that had befallen me during my previous voyages, or the terrible experiences I had faced, did nothing to dampen my spirit of adventure and my desire for trade. Within a few short days, I had forgotten them all, and a renewed longing for sea travel and commerce stirred within me. So, I prepared everything necessary for my journey, such as goods and merchandise. However, unlike my previous voyages, this time I did not hire a ship; instead, I bought a new one of my own, which would take me to my desired destination. A group of distinguished merchants also set sail with me.

The wind was favorable, and everything proceeded as hoped. Our ship departed from the city of Basra, and day after day, night after night, we sailed the seas. Finally, the ship anchored near a vast, uninhabited island called the Island of the Rukh Bird. We decided to disembark there to refresh ourselves and recover from the fatigue of the journey. As we walked a short distance on the island, we spotted an enormous rukh bird's egg, exactly like the one I had described to you during my second voyage!

2) The Rukh Bird's Chick

The egg was about to hatch, as the rukh bird's chick was pecking at the shell with its beak. As soon as my companions saw the chick, they rushed towards the egg with axes and crowbars and began to break it open. I forbade them and warned them of the dire consequences, but they paid no heed to my advice, ignoring my words completely. They continued to break the egg until it was completely shattered, and they killed the chick and roasted some of its meat over a fire to eat.

3) The Rukh Bird

No sooner had they finished their ill-fated meal than the sky darkened, and two enormous birds appeared, blocking the sunlight. I recognized them; they were the rukh birds. The captain of our ship, sensing the impending danger, cried out, "Get back to the ship quickly, before their wrath and vengeance fall upon you!" We rushed towards the ship and hoisted the sails. The ship began to move swiftly.

4) The Rukh Bird's Revenge

The two rukh birds reached their nest and cried out in despair upon seeing the fate of their offspring. We had sailed so far away that they were out of sight, so we thought we were safe from their harm. But a short while later, they returned, each carrying a huge rock in its talons. The female rukh bird flew swiftly and hurled the rock in its talons at our ship. Our captain was wise and skillful, so he immediately turned the ship's helm. The rock missed and fell into the sea, splitting the water in two, and we could see the seabed through the gap.

5) The Shipwreck

No sooner had we rejoiced at escaping this danger than the male rukh bird hurled its rock at our ship. It struck the side of the ship and shattered it to pieces. The ship sank to the depths of the sea with all its goods and people. I almost drowned with those who had perished, had I not found a wooden plank nearby and immediately clung to it.

6) The Island of the Old Man of the Sea

The wooden plank carried me along with the waves, and I did not know where it was taking me. Finally, by good fortune, the waves cast me ashore on a nearby island. The shore of the island was high and covered with numerous rocks and pebbles. After much difficulty, I managed to reach the shore, and as soon as I did, I collapsed on the ground from exhaustion. When I regained consciousness, I began to walk around the island and saw that it was a beautiful place with abundant vegetation and rivers. I ate its delicious fruits and drank its sweet water. I sat in the shade of a large tree, enjoying the pleasant breeze and recovering from the fatigue of the sea. When night fell, I slept peacefully.

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and began to walk around the island.

7) The Old Man of the Sea

From a distance, a faint figure caught my eye. I approached him and saw an old man whose face bore the clear marks of age and weakness. He was sitting by the bank of a river. I thought that perhaps he, like me, had been a victim of misfortune and had been cast ashore on this island. I said to myself, perhaps his ship, like mine, had sunk, and the waves had thrown him onto this desolate island as well.

I greeted him joyfully, and he nodded in response to my greeting. I asked him, "What are you doing here?" He gestured towards a tree near the river with his back to it, indicating that he wanted me to pick some fruit for him. Seeing his weakness and old age, I felt sympathy for him and carried him on my back. He picked as much fruit as he wanted, and when I bent down to put him down, he did not get off.

Every time I think of that old man, I cannot help but laugh. I was deceived by him, for I had thought him a weak, dying old man, but soon his true nature was revealed to me. I saw that he was strong and extremely cruel. He leaped onto my shoulders and wrapped his legs so tightly around my neck that I was on the verge of suffocating and fell unconscious to the ground. When I regained consciousness, I saw that the cruel enemy was still clinging to my shoulders and had slightly loosened his grip so that I could breathe. When he saw that I had regained consciousness, he began to strike me repeatedly with his feet, and I could not disobey his commands. Wherever he pointed, I went. Throughout the day and part of the night, he ate his favorite fruits and grains until my strength waned and I collapsed on the ground between life and death from exhaustion. Then he slightly loosened his grip so that I could sleep. When morning came, he began to beat and kick me with his feet until I woke up. Like the day before, I spent today suffering from that unexpected calamity, and this continued for some time.

8) The Old Man of the Sea's Demise

One day, I saw a large quantity of ripe grapes and a large, dried gourd nearby. I cut the gourd in half, washed it thoroughly, then filled it with some grapes and left it in the sun for several days until they fermented. I drank a little of it, and a look of joy appeared on my face. That cursed old man gestured for me to give him some of the juice, and I did not hesitate to comply with his request. He drank until he lost consciousness and his legs went limp. Then I threw him to the ground, picked up a large stone, and struck him hard on the head, killing him instantly. I was overjoyed by this victory.

9) Waiting for Rescue

I waited on the seashore for several days, hoping for the arrival of a ship, until Allah permitted my deliverance from this desolate island. Finally, a large ship came into view, and I saw it approaching the island. I signaled to the people on the ship, and they came towards me and greeted me. I returned their greetings warmly, and they asked me about my story. I told them everything that had happened to me, and they were greatly astonished. One of them said to me, "You fell into the clutches of the Old Man of the Sea; had it not been for the grace and mercy of Allah, you would not have escaped him." This island was notorious among the merchants, for whoever reached it had no hope of survival.

10) The City of Apes

After some time, the ship set sail with us, and the captain of the ship took great care of me. Day after day, night after night, we sailed the seas until we reached a beautiful city. I asked the captain the name of the city, and he told me it was the City of Apes. A friend of mine had given me a large sack, and each of my companions had a similar sack. They and I began to walk together, and everyone filled their sacks with stones, and I did the same. As we walked, we reached a vast forest filled with coconut trees, and there were groups of apes on every tree. The merchants began to throw stones at them – and I followed their example – and I saw that the apes became agitated and angry with us. They began to throw coconuts at us – and we were collecting them – until each of our sacks was full. Then we returned to the ship. The next day, we all went to the forest and did what we had done the day before. We continued this for several days and collected a large quantity of coconuts. Then the ship carried us day after day, night after night, until we reached a large city. There, we sold the coconuts we had with us at a very high price and bought a large quantity of spices and sandalwood with the money.

11) The Pearl Divers

We traveled from one city to another and traded wherever we stopped, until we reached a large city. There, we saw pearl divers eager to dive deep into the sea to collect pearls. I asked a diver to go deep into the sea and collect some pearls for me, and I paid him for his efforts. He agreed, and I was fortunate, for he returned with a large quantity of pearls.

12) Return to My Homeland

I had a great deal of wealth with me, along with pearls and sandalwood. Then I returned to Baghdad via Basra. My family and friends were overjoyed to see me return safely. I gave a large sum of money to the poor and needy and resolved to spend the rest of my days in peace in Baghdad.

When Sindbad finished his story, he ordered that the porter be given one hundred dinars. The porter accepted it, offering prayers for Sindbad, and departed from him, grateful and joyful. All those present left with him, promising to return the next day.

The next day, when they arrived, Sindbad began his Sixth Voyage and said:

The Sixth Voyage

To the Island of Destruction

(1) One Year Later

You will probably be greatly astonished when you learn that despite having encountered danger and destruction in my five sea voyages, I did not abandon seafaring. You have reason for this surprise, for I myself was amazed by the risks I took, just as you are. But there is no escape from the decree of Allah. My misguided heart, after a period of comfort, was once again tempted to endure hardship and bear more pain and horror than I had suffered before.

After a year of peace and comfort in Baghdad, a strong desire for sea travel and trade awakened in my heart once more. My friends tried their best to dissuade me and keep me from traveling, but they were unsuccessful.

(2) The Arrival of the Storm

When I had prepared my equipment and bought the necessary goods, I went to Basra, where I and a group of merchants set sail towards India. Day after day, night after night, we continued on our sea journey until one day a terrible storm struck us. The waves played with the ship, and we were in danger of sinking at every moment. We spent a day and a night in this state, then the storm subsided. But our ship had lost its way, and we did not know where we were or which direction we were heading. In the distance, a high mountain appeared, and as soon as the sailors saw it, they cried out in despair and began to weep. We asked them, "What has happened?" He replied in a sorrowful voice, "Our destruction is written in this voyage, and there is no hope of escaping death. Pray to Allah and ask for forgiveness for your sins. Bid farewell to one another before destruction comes, for our ship will surely collide with that high mountain you see, and no ship that has reached this place has ever been saved!"

The sailor had not finished speaking when we saw the waves pushing the ship towards the mountain. We tried to turn our ship in another direction, but we were unsuccessful. The ship continued at a terrifying speed until it struck the mountain and was shattered to pieces, its planks coming apart. Each of us grabbed a wooden plank to save ourselves from drowning after taking the ship's most valuable possessions. We worked hard to escape until, after much difficulty, we were able to reach the shore. On the shore, we placed the food and valuable items we had brought with us. Then the sailor said to us, "We must dig our own graves, for there is no hope of our survival from this island, an island from which no ship that reaches it is ever saved!"

(3) On the Island of Destruction - Bones of the Dead

The truth of his words became clear to us, for we saw before us the wreckage of many broken ships, and after a while, we saw heaps of the bones of the dead. We knew, without a doubt, that our fate would be the same as theirs, and we were certain that the days of our lives were numbered. We gave up hope of survival and saw valuable goods and treasures scattered everywhere on the rocks by the sea. We thought about the tragic end of their owners, knowing that we would soon join them.

We found a river at the foot of the mountain that flowed out of a dark cave, but no one knew what lay beyond that cave. We saw many precious stones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds scattered everywhere, but we paid no attention to them, and no one tried to collect them.

We remained despondent on that terrible island, with no hope of survival, for any ship we hoped would reach us would suffer the same fate as our ship – breaking apart and leaving its passengers in the same miserable condition as us.

The sailor fairly divided the food we had with us.

(4) After the Food Ran Out

We spent some time in this state until the food of my companions ran out, and they died one by one from hunger. I buried them all and remained alone after them, waiting for death. I ate my food very sparingly, only what was necessary to stay alive, until my food was almost gone. I began to think about this sad end and blamed myself for this cursed voyage.

(5) Hope After Despair

But I did not surrender to despair. I went to the riverbank, and as I looked at it, I asked myself, "Where does this river go after passing through the cave? Surely, it comes from some distant inhabited place beyond this high mountain!" The thought of building a boat came to my mind, and I said to myself, "If I stay on this island, I will undoubtedly die, so even if I build a boat and perish inside the cave, I will have nothing to lose. I have tried my best and left nothing undone. Who knows, perhaps in this way I can escape destruction!"

(6) The Boat of Salvation

I did not hesitate to implement this bold idea. I gathered enough wooden planks to build a small boat. When it was ready, I launched it into the river and loaded it with as many precious gems and stones as I could find scattered around the island. I made two small oars and firmly resolved to enter the cave to find out what lay beyond.

(7) In the Darkness of the Cave

I got into my small boat and began to row. I saw the boat moving swiftly inside the cave. I was plunged into dense darkness and remained in this state for a long time, my mind filled with fear as if days and nights were passing. I felt the place becoming increasingly narrow, so much so that my small boat was about to break. I feared my head would hit the roof of the cave, so I lay down on my back. Then, weakened by hunger and fatigue, sleep overcame me, and I fell into a deep slumber.

(8) Escape from the Island of Destruction

When I woke up, I saw that I had emerged from the darkness of the cave into a wide plain. My boat was tied to the riverbank, and a group of people were looking at me with expressions of sympathy and amazement. I thanked them for their kind treatment and greeted them with sincerity and affection. They replied in a language I did not understand. When I realized that I had survived the Island of Destruction, my heart was filled with joy, and I recited this poem:

"If the darkness of despair descends like a long night, then the mercy of Allah arrives like the light of dawn."

(9) On the Island of Serendib

Among those present, one knew Arabic. He understood my words and realized I was an Arab. He came to me and said, "O my brother, do not be surprised and do not fear, you are in our land. We saw you sleeping in this boat, so fearing you would drown, we tied it to the riverbank and waited around you until you woke up. Now tell us, where have you come from and where do you intend to go?"

I asked him, "And where am I now?"

He said to me, "You are on the island of Serendib."

I said to him, "I am almost dying of hunger."

Then he quickly brought food, and I ate my fill. After that, I told him my story, and he translated it to his companions. They were greatly astonished and said to me, "Your story is strange, and you must certainly go with us to the king and tell it to him."

(10) At the Court of the King of Serendib

They put me on a horse, and carried my boat, with everything in it, on their shoulders. We walked until we reached the city. When I stood before the king, I greeted him. He received me warmly and returned my greeting kindly. He asked me my name, and I said to him, "My name is Sindbad, and people call me Sindbad the Sailor because of my many sea voyages and travels."

The king asked me, "How did you arrive here?"

I told him everything that had happened to me and concealed nothing. The king was greatly astonished by this and rejoiced at my survival. He ordered my story to be written in letters of gold, for it was strange and contained many lessons.

Then the king saw the treasures and valuable items in the boat. He was amazed to see the corals, emeralds, and diamonds piled up and considered them more precious than his own treasury. He expressed his wonder, and when I saw that he was fascinated by these priceless treasures, I told him he could take whatever he wanted and said, "I and all that I possess are at your command."

The king replied with a smile, "No, O Sindbad, your treasures are yours, and no one will dispute them with you. I am not greedy for them and will take nothing, but rather, I will increase them for you. May Allah bless you and give you the opportunity to enjoy them!"

I thanked him sincerely for this.

(11) The Hospitality of the King of Serendib

The king provided me with lodging in one of his most luxurious palaces and had my treasures and valuable items moved there. He provided me with the necessary male and female servants and overwhelmed me with his generosity and kindness. He was a just king, loved by his people and highly trusted. His custom was to ride an elephant in a grand procession on festival days. There was not a day that I did not meet him and thank him repeatedly for this great care. Then I would go to the city and see such strange and wonderful things that I cannot describe to you, for they were countless.

(12) The Wonders of Serendib

I will mention to you some of the wonders of Serendib – for example, the night and day there are always of equal length because it is located on the equator. And there is one of the highest mountains in the world there. I used to climb its peak sometimes to enjoy the beauty of the magnificent nature, just as some days I would go to the seashore and watch the divers extracting pearls!

(13) The King's Letter to the Caliph

I stayed in that beautiful land for several days, then a longing for my country and a desire to return to my homeland arose in me. I asked the king for permission to travel, and he granted it after giving me many valuable gifts. When the day of travel came, he bid me farewell and entrusted me with a fine letter and priceless gifts to carry to Caliph Harun al-Rashid.

(14) Return to Baghdad

Then the ship carried me to my country, and after traveling day and night, it reached Basra. From there, I went to Baghdad, where my family and friends warmly welcomed me. I gave alms to the poor and needy, helped them with generous amounts of money, and resolved that I would no longer travel by sea and would spend the rest of my days in Baghdad, so that I would not face any more danger and fear after my life had been saved.

(15) At the Court of the Caliph

Then I went to Caliph Harun al-Rashid and told him my story and presented him with the valuable gifts that the King of Serendib had sent to him. He was greatly astonished by this.

He read the king's letter and found it full of sympathy, friendship, and sincerity. He thanked me for it and ordered a good reward to be given to me, and he enveloped me in his affection and love.

When Sindbad finished his tale, he ordered one hundred dinars to be given to the porter. The porter gratefully accepted them and departed with everyone else.

The next day, when they arrived, Sindbad began his seventh voyage and said...

Sindbad's Seventh Voyage

1) Sindbad's Repentance from Sea Travel

Upon returning from my sixth voyage, I resolved to abandon seafaring altogether. For I had encountered such dreadful perils and risks that could turn the hair of children white with fear. I made a firm vow to spend the remainder of my days in rest and tranquility, for I had become an old man. My heart loathed foreign lands and travel, and I felt a strong inclination towards comfort. Thus, I sincerely repented from sea voyages and was determined to live a peaceful and undisturbed life in Baghdad, where no hardship could disrupt my peace.

2) The Breaking of Repentance

I wished that the desire for travel and foreign lands would vanish from my heart, but a person does not always get everything they desire. For unexpectedly, something occurred that I had not anticipated. A messenger from Caliph Harun al-Rashid summoned me to meet with him – on a day when I was sitting peacefully with my friends – so I did not hesitate to obey the command.

3) In the Caliph's Court

When I stood before the Caliph, I greeted him with a salutation. He welcomed my arrival and said to me: "O Sindbad, I have chosen you, and no one else, to go to the King of Serendib and deliver this gift to him, along with my greetings and best wishes." This news struck me like a thunderbolt, and I said to him: "O Amir al-Mu'minin, I am your loyal servant, and I have no power to disobey any of your commands. However, I implore you to release me from this duty. For I have sincerely repented from sea voyages and have vowed never to leave my land again. And now I am an old man, with no strength for travel and its hardships!"

Then, I recounted to him all the dangers and terrible events that had befallen me during my previous voyages. He was greatly astonished by this and said to me: "Indeed, your story is the most amazing I have ever heard. But despite that, I will not retract what I have asked of you. I am only entrusting you with going to the King of Serendib and delivering my gifts and greetings, after which you will return to us safely. For it is not polite that he shows me friendship and sincerity, and I do not respond with gratitude and appreciation worthy of him!"

4) Journey to the Island of Serendib

I could not disobey his command and said, "I hear and obey." He was greatly pleased by this and bestowed upon me a thousand dinars as a reward. Then, he ordered that I be given more money than the necessary expenses for this journey.

Thereupon, I set sail towards the island of Serendib, carrying his gifts and letter. The wind was favorable, and we traveled day and night without incident, reaching there safely.

5) In the Court of the King of Serendib

As soon as I reached the King of Serendib, he advanced towards me and was overjoyed at my arrival. He said to me: "O Sindbad, I have been eagerly awaiting you and have often praised you and marveled at the truthfulness of your firm resolve."

I thanked him and presented him with the Caliph's letter and gifts. He was exceedingly pleased with them. I enjoyed his hospitality for many days, and then when I sought his permission to return to my country, he was greatly saddened. Due to his deep affection for me, he did not readily grant me leave to travel. Finally, after much persuasion, he gave me permission and bestowed upon me many precious jewels and gifts. I gratefully accepted them, and then bid him farewell with a sorrowful heart at our parting.

6) The Sea Pirates

Thereafter, I boarded a ship that was heading towards Basra. The wind was favorable, and everything was going well. We spent four days in merriment and music, joyful at the prospect of returning home. On the fifth day, suddenly, sea pirates attacked us. They brutally killed those who resisted and looted our wealth and belongings. They took those who remained alive as prisoners, and I was among those captured. Then, they took our ship to a remote island and sold us there as slaves. A wealthy merchant bought me and provided me with food, clothing, and shelter. After a few days, he asked me what kind of work I knew. I said to him: "I was a wealthy merchant, and I know no work other than trade, and I was captured by sea pirates."

He said to me: "Have you not learned to hunt?" I replied: "I learned it in my youth, and after a little practice, I will be able to do it well."

7) Hunting Elephants

Thereupon, he gave me a bow and arrows and mounted me on an elephant that was with him. Then, he took me to a distant forest and said: "This forest is full of elephants. All I want from you is that you hide behind some tall trees and keep your bow and arrows with you. When you hunt an elephant, return to me and inform me."

Then, he returned from where he had come, leaving me alone. I climbed a tall tree and stayed there all night, seeing nothing. When the sun rose, I saw a herd of elephants approaching. I shot an arrow at one of them, and it died, while the rest of the elephants fled. I went to my master and told him what I had done. He was pleased with this and thanked me profusely. He returned to the forest with me, and we dug a large pit and buried the elephant's carcass. After a long time had passed, he went there again and brought back its bones to sell them at the highest price.

8) With the Elephants

I used to hunt one elephant every day and bury it, and thus two months passed. I would move from one tree to another so that the elephants would not realize my location. One day, I saw a group of elephants rapidly approaching the tree above me. I feared evil. After a while, the elephants came and surrounded the tree, and they began to shake their trunks with great force – they were looking at me with fixed gazes – my heart filled with fear, and the bow and arrows fell from my hand. A large elephant came and wrapped its trunk around the trunk of the tree above me and pulled with great force. As a result, the tree was uprooted, and I fell to the ground.

The elephant approached me and lifted me with its trunk, placing me on its back. I was between life and death with fear. Then, it carried me, and the other elephants behind it, to a nearby place, where it stopped and lowered me to the ground. The elephants returned without harming me. It seemed to me as if I were dreaming and could not believe what I was seeing.

9) The Elephants' Graveyard

I looked around and saw heaps of elephant bones and tusks. Then I realized that they had brought me here only to prevent me from killing them. It seemed they understood that I only killed them out of greed for their ivory. So, they had brought me to this graveyard so that I could take as many tusks as I wanted.

I quickly returned to my master. As soon as he saw me, he rushed towards me, inquired about my safety, and said: "Today, I was passing by the forest and saw your bow and arrows lying beside an uprooted tree. Then I was certain that the elephants had killed you, just as they had killed our other slaves before. How did you survive?"

I told him what had happened to me. He was astonished and walked with me to see the truth of my words.

10) Sindbad's Release from Captivity

He was overjoyed by this and thanked me profusely for my intelligence, saying: "You have shown me a treasure of immense wealth that I never even dreamed of before. I set you free and release you."

I thanked him and was delighted to be freed from captivity and slavery. When I sought his permission to return to my country, he gave me much wealth and valuable gifts. He also gave me a large quantity of elephant tusks, which I later sold at a high price.

11) Return to My Country

Thereafter, I boarded a ship that was heading towards Basra. The ship sailed day and night until we reached Basra. Then, I boarded another ship that was going to a large city. I quickly disembarked and thanked Allah for my safe return from the sea, and I set out with a caravan heading towards Baghdad. We traveled day and night by land until we finally reached there.

12) In Baghdad

As soon as I entered Baghdad, my family and friends rejoiced at my safe return and came to see me. When I went to Caliph Harun al-Rashid, he warmly welcomed me and was greatly pleased at my arrival. He said to me: "Your absence worried me, and I feared that some harm had befallen you. What delayed you for so long?"

I recounted to him everything that had happened to me. He was greatly astonished by this and ordered that my story be written in letters of gold so that it would be a lesson for readers. He bestowed upon me many rewards, and I gratefully returned from his presence.

From that day on, I lived peacefully in Baghdad with my family and friends, safe from the dangers and risks of sea travel.

The End of the Tale

When Sindbad finished his story, he looked at the porter Hindbad and said: "Now, what do you think, my friend? Have you ever heard a stranger tale in your life than this? And has anyone encountered the dangers and risks that I have faced? After so much hardship and terror, should I not spend the rest of my life in peace?"

Hindbad the porter stood up and kissed his hand with respect and politeness, saying: "Truly, I have never heard anything more wondrous than your story, and I do not think anyone is more deserving of happiness than you, for you have attained it through your toil and effort. And my daily hardship is nothing compared to one of your amazing voyages! Truly said is the one who said: 'He who has not faced terrors has not attained desired things.' May Allah bestow upon you rare qualities. Along with your courage and fearlessness, you are kind and compassionate towards the poor and needy. After praising you, I have nothing to reward you with except to pray for you. May Allah bless you, prolong your life, and grant you the opportunity to enjoy your wealth and health."

Sindbad looked at him with a smile and gave him another hundred dinars and requested him to dine with him every day. From that day on, Sindbad adopted Hindbad as his friend and enriched him after he had been poor. Hindbad became one of Sindbad's close companions.