Fifth Voyage
by Andrew Lang · from The Arabian Nights Entertainments
Adapted Version
Sindbad was a brave sailor. He loved to go on big trips! He wanted to see new lands. He wanted new adventures.
Sindbad loved trips. He built a new ship. He sailed with merchant friends. They went on a very long trip. They found a big egg. It was a Giant Bird's egg. Sindbad said, "Do not touch!" Friends did not listen. They took the baby bird.
Two Giant Birds came. They made loud cries. They were very angry. They dropped big rocks. The ship broke into many pieces. All others were lost in the deep sea. Sindbad held a wood piece. Waves pushed him to an island. It was a nice, quiet place.
Sindbad saw a Tricky Old Man. He looked very weak. He had a long beard. The man wanted to cross a small river. Sindbad helped him. The man jumped on Sindbad's back. He held on very tight. Sindbad could not move him at all. The Tricky Old Man stayed on Sindbad. He made Sindbad walk. Sindbad gathered fruit for him. The old man never let go. Sindbad was very tired. He felt trapped.
Sindbad found some dry gourds. He picked many sweet, juicy grapes. He made a special drink. He drank some of it. It made him feel much better. The Tricky Old Man saw the drink. He wanted to try it. He drank it all quickly. He felt very dizzy. His head spun. His grip became loose. Sindbad was very clever. He pushed the old man hard. The Tricky Old Man fell away. Sindbad was free at last! He felt so happy.
Sindbad ran to the sea shore. A big ship was there. Its sails were white. Sailors saw him. They took him on their ship. They sailed to a new town. Sindbad saw tall nut trees. Monkeys were in the trees. Sindbad threw small stones at them. The monkeys threw nuts back. Sindbad filled his big sack. He had many nuts.
Sindbad sold his nuts. He got much money. He bought other good things. He bought fine cloth. He sailed to many new places. He found shiny, big pearls. They were very pretty. He had many, many pearls. Sindbad went home to Baghdad. He was very rich. He shared his money with others. He was very happy. He felt very lucky.
Sindbad was home, happy and rich. Smart and brave, he always won!
Original Story
Fifth Voyage
Not even all that I had gone through could make me contented with a quiet life. I soon wearied of its pleasures, and longed for change and adventure. Therefore I set out once more, but this time in a ship of my own, which I built and fitted out at the nearest seaport. I wished to be able to call at whatever port I chose, taking my own time; but as I did not intend carrying enough goods for a full cargo, I invited several merchants of different nations to join me. We set sail with the first favourable wind, and after a long voyage upon the open seas we landed upon an unknown island which proved to be uninhabited. We determined, however, to explore it, but had not gone far when we found a roc's egg, as large as the one I had seen before and evidently very nearly hatched, for the beak of the young bird had already pierced the shell. In spite of all I could say to deter them, the merchants who were with me fell upon it with their hatchets, breaking the shell, and killing the young roc. Then lighting a fire upon the ground they hacked morsels from the bird, and proceeded to roast them while I stood by aghast.
Scarcely had they finished their ill-omened repast, when the air above us was darkened by two mighty shadows. The captain of my ship, knowing by experience what this meant, cried out to us that the parent birds were coming, and urged us to get on board with all speed. This we did, and the sails were hoisted, but before we had made any way the rocs reached their despoiled nest and hovered about it, uttering frightful cries when they discovered the mangled remains of their young one. For a moment we lost sight of them, and were flattering ourselves that we had escaped, when they reappeared and soared into the air directly over our vessel, and we saw that each held in its claws an immense rock ready to crush us. There was a moment of breathless suspense, then one bird loosed its hold and the huge block of stone hurtled through the air, but thanks to the presence of mind of the helmsman, who turned our ship violently in another direction, it fell into the sea close beside us, cleaving it asunder till we could nearly see the bottom. We had hardly time to draw a breath of relief before the other rock fell with a mighty crash right in the midst of our luckless vessel, smashing it into a thousand fragments, and crushing, or hurling into the sea, passengers and crew. I myself went down with the rest, but had the good fortune to rise unhurt, and by holding on to a piece of driftwood with one hand and swimming with the other I kept myself afloat and was presently washed up by the tide on to an island. Its shores were steep and rocky, but I scrambled up safely and threw myself down to rest upon the green turf.
When I had somewhat recovered I began to examine the spot in which I found myself, and truly it seemed to me that I had reached a garden of delights. There were trees everywhere, and they were laden with flowers and fruit, while a crystal stream wandered in and out under their shadow. When night came I slept sweetly in a cosy nook, though the remembrance that I was alone in a strange land made me sometimes start up and look around me in alarm, and then I wished heartily that I had stayed at home at ease. However, the morning sunlight restored my courage, and I once more wandered among the trees, but always with some anxiety as to what I might see next. I had penetrated some distance into the island when I saw an old man bent and feeble sitting upon the river bank, and at first I took him to be some ship-wrecked mariner like myself. Going up to him I greeted him in a friendly way, but he only nodded his head at me in reply. I then asked what he did there, and he made signs to me that he wished to get across the river to gather some fruit, and seemed to beg me to carry him on my back. Pitying his age and feebleness, I took him up, and wading across the stream I bent down that he might more easily reach the bank, and bade him get down. But instead of allowing himself to be set upon his feet (even now it makes me laugh to think of it!), this creature who had seemed to me so decrepit leaped nimbly upon my shoulders, and hooking his legs round my neck gripped me so tightly that I was well-nigh choked, and so overcome with terror that I fell insensible to the ground. When I recovered my enemy was still in his place, though he had released his hold enough to allow me breathing space, and seeing me revive he prodded me adroitly first with one foot and then with the other, until I was forced to get up and stagger about with him under the trees while he gathered and ate the choicest fruits. This went on all day, and even at night, when I threw myself down half dead with weariness, the terrible old man held on tight to my neck, nor did he fail to greet the first glimmer of morning light by drumming upon me with his heels, until I perforce awoke and resumed my dreary march with rage and bitterness in my heart.
It happened one day that I passed a tree under which lay several dry gourds, and catching one up I amused myself with scooping out its contents and pressing into it the juice of several bunches of grapes which hung from every bush. When it was full I left it propped in the fork of a tree, and a few days later, carrying the hateful old man that way, I snatched at my gourd as I passed it and had the satisfaction of a draught of excellent wine so good and refreshing that I even forgot my detestable burden, and began to sing and caper.
The old monster was not slow to perceive the effect which my draught had produced and that I carried him more lightly than usual, so he stretched out his skinny hand and seizing the gourd first tasted its contents cautiously, then drained them to the very last drop. The wine was strong and the gourd capacious, so he also began to sing after a fashion, and soon I had the delight of feeling the iron grip of his goblin legs unclasp, and with one vigorous effort I threw him to the ground, from which he never moved again. I was so rejoiced to have at last got rid of this uncanny old man that I ran leaping and bounding down to the sea shore, where, by the greatest good luck, I met with some mariners who had anchored off the island to enjoy the delicious fruits, and to renew their supply of water.
They heard the story of my escape with amazement, saying, "You fell into the hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and it is a mercy that he did not strangle you as he has everyone else upon whose shoulders he has managed to perch himself. This island is well known as the scene of his evil deeds, and no merchant or sailor who lands upon it cares to stray far away from his comrades." After we had talked for a while they took me back with them on board their ship, where the captain received me kindly, and we soon set sail, and after several days reached a large and prosperous-looking town where all the houses were built of stone. Here we anchored, and one of the merchants, who had been very friendly to me on the way, took me ashore with him and showed me a lodging set apart for strange merchants. He then provided me with a large sack, and pointed out to me a party of others equipped in like manner.
"Go with them," said he, "and do as they do, but beware of losing sight of them, for if you strayed your life would be in danger."
With that he supplied me with provisions, and bade me farewell, and I set out with my new companions. I soon learnt that the object of our expedition was to fill our sacks with cocoanuts, but when at length I saw the trees and noted their immense height and the slippery smoothness of their slender trunks, I did not at all understand how we were to do it. The crowns of the cocoa-palms were all alive with monkeys, big and little, which skipped from one to the other with surprising agility, seeming to be curious about us and disturbed at our appearance, and I was at first surprised when my companions after collecting stones began to throw them at the lively creatures, which seemed to me quite harmless. But very soon I saw the reason of it and joined them heartily, for the monkeys, annoyed and wishing to pay us back in our own coin, began to tear the nuts from the trees and cast them at us with angry and spiteful gestures, so that after very little labour our sacks were filled with the fruit which we could not otherwise have obtained.
As soon as we had as many as we could carry we went back to the town, where my friend bought my share and advised me to continue the same occupation until I had earned money enough to carry me to my own country. This I did, and before long had amassed a considerable sum. Just then I heard that there was a trading ship ready to sail, and taking leave of my friend I went on board, carrying with me a goodly store of cocoanuts; and we sailed first to the islands where pepper grows, then to Comari where the best aloes wood is found, and where men drink no wine by an unalterable law. Here I exchanged my nuts for pepper and good aloes wood, and went a-fishing for pearls with some of the other merchants, and my divers were so lucky that very soon I had an immense number, and those very large and perfect. With all these treasures I came joyfully back to Bagdad, where I disposed of them for large sums of money, of which I did not fail as before to give the tenth part to the poor, and after that I rested from my labours and comforted myself with all the pleasures that my riches could give me.
Having thus ended his story, Sindbad ordered that one hundred sequins should be given to Hindbad, and the guests then withdrew; but after the next day's feast he began the account of his sixth voyage as follows.
Story DNA
Moral
Even in the face of great adversity, ingenuity and perseverance can lead to triumph and fortune.
Plot Summary
Sindbad, craving adventure, embarks on a fifth voyage. His journey turns disastrous when his merchant companions kill a roc's chick, leading the parent rocs to destroy their ship. Shipwrecked, Sindbad is enslaved by the Old Man of the Sea, who clings to his back. Sindbad ingeniously makes wine, gets the Old Man drunk, and escapes. He is rescued by sailors, learns to gather coconuts by outsmarting monkeys, and through shrewd trading and pearl diving, returns to Baghdad wealthier than ever.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The tales of Sindbad are part of 'One Thousand and One Nights' (Arabian Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. They reflect the extensive maritime trade and exploration of the Arab world.
Plot Beats (14)
- Sindbad, bored with peace, builds a ship and sets out on his fifth voyage with merchants.
- They land on an uninhabited island and the merchants kill and roast a roc's chick despite Sindbad's warnings.
- The parent rocs retaliate by dropping massive rocks, destroying Sindbad's ship and killing everyone but him.
- Sindbad washes ashore on a beautiful but isolated island.
- He encounters a seemingly feeble old man who tricks him into carrying him across a stream, then clamps onto Sindbad's shoulders as the 'Old Man of the Sea'.
- The Old Man of the Sea forces Sindbad to carry him around, prodding him to gather fruit and never letting go.
- Sindbad discovers gourds and makes wine from grapes, which he drinks to ease his burden.
- The Old Man of the Sea demands to try the wine, gets drunk, and loosens his grip.
- Sindbad seizes the opportunity to throw the Old Man of the Sea off, killing him.
- Sindbad runs to the shore and is rescued by passing mariners who recognize the Old Man of the Sea's island.
- The mariners take Sindbad to a town where he learns to gather coconuts by provoking monkeys to throw them down.
- Sindbad earns a fortune by selling coconuts and then trades them for pepper and aloes wood on other islands.
- He goes pearl fishing and acquires a vast collection of large, perfect pearls.
- Sindbad returns to Baghdad immensely wealthy, gives to the poor, and enjoys his riches, concluding his fifth voyage story.
Characters
Sindbad the Sailor
A man of robust build, accustomed to the rigors of sea travel and physical exertion. His skin is likely tanned from exposure to sun and sea. He possesses a resilient constitution, capable of surviving shipwrecks and strenuous physical burdens.
Attire: When at sea, practical, durable linen or cotton garments suitable for a merchant sailor in the Arabian Gulf, such as a simple tunic and trousers. When ashore in Baghdad, he would wear fine silk robes (dishdasha or thobe) with intricate embroidery, a keffiyeh or a small, embroidered cap, and soft leather slippers, reflecting his wealth and status as a successful merchant.
Wants: To seek adventure, accumulate wealth through trade, and experience the wonders of the world, despite the dangers.
Flaw: His insatiable desire for adventure often leads him into perilous situations, and his initial compassion can be exploited.
He continues to seek adventure and wealth, learning to be more cautious but never losing his adventurous spirit. He also learns to be more discerning about whom he trusts.
Adventurous, resilient, resourceful, compassionate (initially towards the Old Man), and somewhat restless. He is driven by a desire for change and new experiences.
The Old Man of the Sea
Extremely bent and feeble in appearance initially, but surprisingly agile and strong. He has skinny, gnarled limbs and a decrepit, ancient look. His grip is described as 'iron'.
Attire: Simple, tattered, and dirty garments, likely made of coarse, undyed fabric, reflecting his wild existence on the island. Perhaps a loincloth or a simple, ragged tunic.
Wants: To exploit and torment travelers for sustenance and perverse amusement, using them as a means of locomotion and fruit gathering.
Flaw: Alcohol (wine) renders him incapacitated and loosens his grip.
He remains a static antagonist, ultimately defeated by Sindbad's ingenuity.
Cunning, cruel, parasitic, manipulative, and persistent. He takes advantage of others' compassion.
The Rocs (Parent Birds)
Immense, mythical birds of prey, capable of darkening the sky with their shadows. They possess powerful talons strong enough to carry immense rocks.
Attire: Natural plumage, likely dark or earthy tones, with a vast wingspan.
Wants: To avenge the death of their offspring and destroy those responsible.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but their rage makes them predictable in their attack.
They appear, exact their revenge, and then disappear from the narrative.
Fiercely protective of their young, vengeful, and destructive when provoked.
The Captain (of Sindbad's ship)
A seasoned mariner, likely of sturdy build, with a weathered face from years at sea.
Attire: Practical sailor's attire, likely a tunic and trousers made of durable fabric, perhaps a head covering to protect from the sun.
Wants: To ensure the safety of his ship and crew.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but his experience cannot overcome the rocs' power.
He appears briefly to warn of danger and is then lost in the shipwreck.
Experienced, decisive, and quick-thinking in a crisis.
The Helmsman
A strong and agile sailor, capable of quick, forceful movements.
Attire: Standard sailor's attire: simple tunic, trousers, and perhaps a headscarf.
Wants: To steer the ship safely and avoid disaster.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but his skill is ultimately insufficient against the rocs.
He performs a heroic act but is ultimately lost in the shipwreck.
Quick-witted, decisive, and possessing great presence of mind.
Hindbad
A porter, likely of average build, accustomed to physical labor.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a porter in Baghdad, such as a coarse tunic and trousers, possibly with a head covering.
Wants: To earn a living and listen to Sindbad's tales.
Flaw: His poverty and status.
A static character who serves as an audience for Sindbad's stories.
Humble, appreciative, and a good listener.
Locations
Uninhabited Roc Island
A wild, untamed island with dense vegetation, where a massive roc's egg, nearly hatched, is discovered. The ground is suitable for lighting a fire.
Mood: foreboding, dangerous, wild
The merchants kill and roast a young roc, leading to the attack by the parent rocs and the destruction of Sindbad's ship.
Island of the Old Man of the Sea
An island with steep, rocky shores leading up to lush green turf. The interior is a 'garden of delights' with abundant trees laden with flowers and fruit, and a crystal stream winding through the shadows. Dry gourds are found under some trees.
Mood: initially idyllic and serene, then oppressive and terrifying
Sindbad is washed ashore, discovers the island's beauty, and then encounters and is enslaved by the Old Man of the Sea. He later escapes here.
Coconut Island Town and Groves
A large, prosperous-looking town where all houses are built of stone, located near the sea. Beyond the town are vast groves of immensely tall, slender, slippery cocoa-palms, their crowns alive with monkeys.
Mood: bustling, industrious, initially bewildering, then productive
Sindbad arrives after escaping the Old Man of the Sea, learns the unique method of harvesting coconuts, and earns a fortune.