First Voyage
by Andrew Lang · from The Arabian Nights Entertainments
Adapted Version
Hello, little friend! I will tell you about Sindbad. I am Sindbad!
I had much money. I spent it all. I needed more money. I wanted to trade things. I sold my house. I went to the sea. I joined other traders. We went on a big ship. We sailed far away. We went to new lands.
One day, we saw an island. It was small and green. It looked like a good place. We could rest there. Many people went off the ship. We made a small fire. Then the island moved! It was not an island. It was a very big whale. The whale was sleeping. The fire made the whale wake up. It went down into the water.
I held onto wood. The ship sailed away. I was alone on the water. It was a little scary. But I was brave. I floated for a long time. Then I saw land. I found a new island. I climbed up. I found good food and water. Some men found me there. They were King Mihrage's men.
The men took me to the city. King Mihrage lived there. He was very kind to me. He gave me food and clothes. I was safe now. I stayed in the city. I looked for my ship. I wanted to go home. I talked to many people.
One day, I saw a ship. It brought many boxes. I looked at the boxes. I saw my own name! I talked to The Captain. He thought I was dead. He wanted to sell my things. He was very surprised to see me. I told The Captain my story. I told him about the whale. Other traders saw me. They said I was Sindbad. The Captain believed me then. He was very happy.
The Captain was happy. He gave me my things back. He did not want money. He was an honest man. I gave King Mihrage a gift. He was happy. He gave me many good things. He was a very kind king. I traded my goods. I got new things. I went home on the ship. I made more money.
I came home to Balsora. I was rich again. My family was happy. I built a big house. I lived a happy life. Sindbad was brave and smart. He never gave up. He went home, happy again.
I finished my story. I gave Hindbad money. "Come back tomorrow," I said. "I will tell you more." My first big trip! Come back tomorrow for another story!
Original Story
First Voyage
I had inherited considerable wealth from my parents, and being young and foolish I at first squandered it recklessly upon every kind of pleasure, but presently, finding that riches speedily take to themselves wings if managed as badly as I was managing mine, and remembering also that to be old and poor is misery indeed, I began to bethink me of how I could make the best of what still remained to me. I sold all my household goods by public auction, and joined a company of merchants who traded by sea, embarking with them at Balsora in a ship which we had fitted out between us.
We set sail and took our course towards the East Indies by the Persian Gulf, having the coast of Persia upon our left hand and upon our right the shores of Arabia Felix. I was at first much troubled by the uneasy motion of the vessel, but speedily recovered my health, and since that hour have been no more plagued by sea-sickness.
From time to time we landed at various islands, where we sold or exchanged our merchandise, and one day, when the wind dropped suddenly, we found ourselves becalmed close to a small island like a green meadow, which only rose slightly above the surface of the water. Our sails were furled, and the captain gave permission to all who wished to land for a while and amuse themselves. I was among the number, but when after strolling about for some time we lighted a fire and sat down to enjoy the repast which we had brought with us, we were startled by a sudden and violent trembling of the island, while at the same moment those left upon the ship set up an outcry bidding us come on board for our lives, since what we had taken for an island was nothing but the back of a sleeping whale. Those who were nearest to the boat threw themselves into it, others sprang into the sea, but before I could save myself the whale plunged suddenly into the depths of the ocean, leaving me clinging to a piece of the wood which we had brought to make our fire. Meanwhile a breeze had sprung up, and in the confusion that ensued on board our vessel in hoisting the sails and taking up those who were in the boat and clinging to its sides, no one missed me and I was left at the mercy of the waves. All that day I floated up and down, now beaten this way, now that, and when night fell I despaired for my life; but, weary and spent as I was, I clung to my frail support, and great was my joy when the morning light showed me that I had drifted against an island.
The cliffs were high and steep, but luckily for me some tree-roots protruded in places, and by their aid I climbed up at last, and stretched myself upon the turf at the top, where I lay, more dead than alive, till the sun was high in the heavens. By that time I was very hungry, but after some searching I came upon some eatable herbs, and a spring of clear water, and much refreshed I set out to explore the island. Presently I reached a great plain where a grazing horse was tethered, and as I stood looking at it I heard voices talking apparently underground, and in a moment a man appeared who asked me how I came upon the island. I told him my adventures, and heard in return that he was one of the grooms of Mihrage, the king of the island, and that each year they came to feed their master's horses in this plain. He took me to a cave where his companions were assembled, and when I had eaten of the food they set before me, they bade me think myself fortunate to have come upon them when I did, since they were going back to their master on the morrow, and without their aid I could certainly never have found my way to the inhabited part of the island.
Early the next morning we accordingly set out, and when we reached the capital I was graciously received by the king, to whom I related my adventures, upon which he ordered that I should be well cared for and provided with such things as I needed. Being a merchant I sought out men of my own profession, and particularly those who came from foreign countries, as I hoped in this way to hear news from Bagdad, and find out some means of returning thither, for the capital was situated upon the sea-shore, and visited by vessels from all parts of the world. In the meantime I heard many curious things, and answered many questions concerning my own country, for I talked willingly with all who came to me. Also to while away the time of waiting I explored a little island named Cassel, which belonged to King Mihrage, and which was supposed to be inhabited by a spirit named Deggial. Indeed, the sailors assured me that often at night the playing of timbals could be heard upon it. However, I saw nothing strange upon my voyage, saving some fish that were full two hundred cubits long, but were fortunately more in dread of us than even we were of them, and fled from us if we did but strike upon a board to frighten them. Other fishes there were only a cubit long which had heads like owls.
One day after my return, as I went down to the quay, I saw a ship which had just cast anchor, and was discharging her cargo, while the merchants to whom it belonged were busily directing the removal of it to their warehouses. Drawing nearer I presently noticed that my own name was marked upon some of the packages, and after having carefully examined them, I felt sure that they were indeed those which I had put on board our ship at Balsora. I then recognised the captain of the vessel, but as I was certain that he believed me to be dead, I went up to him and asked who owned the packages that I was looking at.
"There was on board my ship," he replied, "a merchant of Bagdad named Sindbad. One day he and several of my other passengers landed upon what we supposed to be an island, but which was really an enormous whale floating asleep upon the waves. No sooner did it feel upon its back the heat of the fire which had been kindled, than it plunged into the depths of the sea. Several of the people who were upon it perished in the waters, and among others this unlucky Sindbad. This merchandise is his, but I have resolved to dispose of it for the benefit of his family if I should ever chance to meet with them."
"Captain," said I, "I am that Sindbad whom you believe to be dead, and these are my possessions!"
When the captain heard these words he cried out in amazement, "Lackaday! and what is the world coming to? In these days there is not an honest man to be met with. Did I not with my own eyes see Sindbad drown, and now you have the audacity to tell me that you are he! I should have taken you to be a just man, and yet for the sake of obtaining that which does not belong to you, you are ready to invent this horrible falsehood."
"Have patience, and do me the favour to hear my story," said I.
"Speak then," replied the captain, "I'm all attention."
So I told him of my escape and of my fortunate meeting with the king's grooms, and how kindly I had been received at the palace. Very soon I began to see that I had made some impression upon him, and after the arrival of some of the other merchants, who showed great joy at once more seeing me alive, he declared that he also recognised me.
Throwing himself upon my neck he exclaimed, "Heaven be praised that you have escaped from so great a danger. As to your goods, I pray you take them, and dispose of them as you please." I thanked him, and praised his honesty, begging him to accept several bales of merchandise in token of my gratitude, but he would take nothing. Of the choicest of my goods I prepared a present for King Mihrage, who was at first amazed, having known that I had lost my all. However, when I had explained to him how my bales had been miraculously restored to me, he graciously accepted my gifts, and in return gave me many valuable things. I then took leave of him, and exchanging my merchandise for sandal and aloes wood, camphor, nutmegs, cloves, pepper, and ginger, I embarked upon the same vessel and traded so successfully upon our homeward voyage that I arrived in Balsora with about one hundred thousand sequins. My family received me with as much joy as I felt upon seeing them once more. I bought land and slaves, and built a great house in which I resolved to live happily, and in the enjoyment of all the pleasures of life to forget my past sufferings.
Here Sindbad paused, and commanded the musicians to play again, while the feasting continued until evening. When the time came for the porter to depart, Sindbad gave him a purse containing one hundred sequins, saying, "Take this, Hindbad, and go home, but to-morrow come again and you shall hear more of my adventures."
The porter retired quite overcome by so much generosity, and you may imagine that he was well received at home, where his wife and children thanked their lucky stars that he had found such a benefactor.
The next day Hindbad, dressed in his best, returned to the voyager's house, and was received with open arms. As soon as all the guests had arrived the banquet began as before, and when they had feasted long and merrily, Sindbad addressed them thus:
"My friends, I beg that you will give me your attention while I relate the adventures of my second voyage, which you will find even more astonishing than the first."
Story DNA
Moral
With courage and ingenuity, one can overcome even the most dire misfortunes and find success.
Plot Summary
Sindbad, a young man who squandered his inheritance, embarks on a sea voyage to rebuild his fortune. During the journey, he and his shipmates mistake a giant sleeping whale for an island; when it submerges, Sindbad is left adrift at sea. He miraculously washes ashore on a new island, where he is rescued by King Mihrage's grooms and welcomed into the royal court. Later, he discovers his original merchandise being unloaded from a ship, convinces the skeptical captain of his identity, reclaims his goods, and returns home wealthier than before, having learned valuable lessons about perseverance and the sea's unpredictable nature.
Themes
Emotional Arc
despair to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The tales of Sindbad are part of 'One Thousand and One Nights' (Arabian Nights), reflecting the extensive maritime trade and exploration of the Arab world during the Islamic Golden Age.
Plot Beats (16)
- Sindbad, having squandered his inheritance, decides to invest his remaining wealth in a sea trading venture.
- He joins merchants and sets sail from Balsora towards the East Indies.
- The ship anchors near what appears to be a small, green island, and passengers disembark.
- The 'island' is revealed to be a giant sleeping whale, which submerges after a fire is lit on its back.
- Sindbad is left adrift in the ocean, clinging to a piece of wood, and is given up for lost by his shipmates.
- He drifts to a new island, where he finds food and water, and is discovered by the grooms of King Mihrage.
- The grooms take Sindbad to the capital city, where he is graciously received by King Mihrage and provided for.
- Sindbad spends time in the capital, exploring and seeking news of home, and learns about the island of Cassel and its strange fish.
- One day, he sees a ship unloading cargo and recognizes his own name on some packages.
- He confronts the captain, who believes Sindbad to be dead and intends to sell the goods for Sindbad's family.
- Sindbad recounts his survival story, and with the corroboration of other merchants, convinces the captain of his identity.
- The captain, overjoyed, returns Sindbad's merchandise, refusing any reward.
- Sindbad presents a gift to King Mihrage, who accepts it and gives Sindbad valuable things in return.
- Sindbad exchanges his goods for valuable spices and embarks on the same ship for his homeward journey, trading profitably.
- He returns to Balsora with a large fortune, reunites with his family, and builds a grand house, resolving to live happily.
- Sindbad pauses his story, rewards the porter Hindbad, and invites him back for the next day's tale.
Characters
Sindbad the Sailor
A man of average height and sturdy build, with a sun-kissed complexion from his travels. He possesses a resilient physique, capable of enduring the hardships of sea voyages and survival.
Attire: Initially, he wears practical, durable clothing suitable for a merchant at sea: loose-fitting linen trousers, a simple tunic, and a sturdy vest, all in earthy tones. Later, as a wealthy man, he would wear fine silk robes (qamis or thobe) in rich colors like deep blue or emerald green, possibly with intricate embroidery, and a well-made turban (imamah) of fine fabric, perhaps adorned with a simple jewel.
Wants: To regain his lost wealth and secure his future after squandering his inheritance, and later, to experience the world and accumulate more riches through trade.
Flaw: Initially, his youthful foolishness and recklessness with wealth. He is also vulnerable to the unpredictable dangers of the sea.
Transforms from a reckless youth to a seasoned, wise, and incredibly wealthy merchant who has faced and overcome numerous perils, learning the value of prudence and resilience.
Adventurous, resilient, resourceful, observant, generous.
The Captain
A seasoned sailor, likely of robust build, with a weathered face from years at sea. He would appear strong and authoritative.
Attire: Practical, durable sailor's attire common in the Persian Gulf region: a sturdy linen tunic, wide trousers, and a simple head covering (like a turban or scarf) to protect from the sun. Colors would be muted, functional blues, browns, and off-whites.
Wants: To conduct his trade honestly and safely, and to ensure the proper handling of deceased passengers' belongings.
Flaw: His initial disbelief and stubbornness when confronted with the 'impossible' truth of Sindbad's survival.
Changes from a disbelieving, almost accusatory figure to one of profound amazement and respect for Sindbad's survival and honesty.
Initially skeptical, pragmatic, honest (believes Sindbad's goods should go to his family), eventually amazed, respectful.
Mihrage, the King of the Island
A regal figure, likely of dignified stature and bearing, reflecting his position as a monarch.
Attire: Rich, flowing silk robes (like a thobe or similar court attire) in vibrant colors such as crimson or gold, possibly embroidered with intricate patterns. He would wear a jeweled turban or a crown, and perhaps a sash of office.
Wants: To govern his island justly, to understand the world beyond his shores, and to show hospitality to those in need.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but perhaps a certain isolation from the wider world due to his island kingdom.
Remains a consistent figure of benevolent authority, providing a safe haven and assistance to Sindbad.
Gracious, benevolent, curious, wise, generous.
Hindbad the Porter
A man of humble means, likely of average height and build, showing signs of physical labor.
Attire: Simple, worn clothing suitable for a porter in Balsora: a coarse linen tunic (dishdasha), loose trousers, and perhaps a simple headscarf (ghutra) to protect from the sun and dust. Colors would be faded and earthy.
Wants: To earn a living for himself and his family.
Flaw: His poverty and lack of opportunities.
Receives unexpected generosity from Sindbad, improving his immediate circumstances and giving him hope.
Humble, grateful, hardworking, appreciative.
The Sleeping Whale
An enormous whale, so vast that its back resembles a small, green, slightly rising island. Its skin would be dark, possibly barnacle-encrusted, and covered in a layer of moss or algae, giving it the appearance of land.
Attire: Not applicable.
Wants: To rest, and then to react to discomfort (the fire).
Flaw: Its vulnerability to being mistaken for an island and having a fire lit upon its back.
Remains a natural force, a momentary obstacle in Sindbad's journey.
Unconscious, indifferent, acts purely on instinct.
Locations
Port of Balsora (Basra)
A bustling port city on the Persian Gulf, where ships are fitted out and merchants embark for voyages to the East Indies. Implied to have warehouses and quays.
Mood: Busy, commercial, full of anticipation and departure
Sindbad embarks on his first voyage after selling his goods.
The Whale Island
A small, seemingly green meadow-like island, rising only slightly above the water's surface, which is actually the back of a sleeping whale.
Mood: Initially peaceful and deceptive, then suddenly terrifying and chaotic
Sindbad and others land, light a fire, and discover the 'island' is a whale, leading to chaos and Sindbad being cast adrift.
King Mihrage's Island - Cliffside and Plain
An island with high, steep cliffs, offering precarious tree roots for climbing. Above the cliffs, a vast plain where horses graze, leading to a hidden cave.
Mood: Initially desolate and hopeful, then mysterious and welcoming
Sindbad washes ashore, climbs the cliffs, finds sustenance, and encounters King Mihrage's grooms.
King Mihrage's Capital City and Quay
A vibrant capital city situated on the sea-shore, visited by vessels from all parts of the world, featuring a busy quay for trade and a royal palace.
Mood: Bustling, cosmopolitan, full of opportunity and discovery
Sindbad is received by the king, engages in trade, and eventually discovers his own merchandise, leading to his return home.