Second Voyage
by Andrew Lang · from The Arabian Nights Entertainments
Adapted Version
Hello! I am Sindbad. I love adventures! I want to see new places. I want to find new treasures.
I was home in Bagdad. It was quiet. I was not happy. I wanted to see new lands. I wanted to find new treasures. I got on a big ship. I went with good men.
We went to a new island. I ate my food. I drank my wine. I fell asleep. I woke up later. My ship was gone! I was all alone there. I felt a little scared.
I climbed a tall tree. I looked around. I saw a big white ball. It was very far away. I walked to it. It was a giant egg! It was a Big Bird's egg.
The Big Bird came. It sat on its egg. It was very big. I had a smart idea. I tied myself to its leg. I used my turban. I hoped it would fly. It would take me away.
The sun came up. The Big Bird flew high. Up, up, up we went. It flew to a deep valley. The valley was narrow. The mountains were very tall. I could not climb them.
I was in a new place. I saw many shiny diamonds. They were very big. They sparkled in the sun. I saw long, big snakes too. They moved slowly on the ground. They did not bother me.
Night came. I found a small cave. I put a stone at the door. I stayed safe inside. The snakes were outside. I felt a little sad. I was still brave. I would find a way.
Morning came. I saw some men. They were on the high cliffs. They threw big pieces of food. Big eagles flew down. The eagles took the food. Shiny diamonds stuck to the food. The men wanted the diamonds.
I had a super smart idea! I picked up many diamonds. They were very shiny. I put them in my bag. I tied the bag to my belt. I found a big piece of food. I tied myself to it. I waited for an eagle.
I lay on the ground. A big eagle came down. It picked up the food. It picked up me too! Up, up, up we went. We flew to its nest. The nest was on a tall cliff.
The Merchants came. They were very surprised! They saw me. I told them my story. They saw my big diamonds. They were very happy. They liked my smart idea. They were good men.
I shared my diamonds. I went with the Merchants. We traveled many days. I saw many new things. They were wonderful. We went to the sea. We sailed on a ship. We saw many lands.
I traded a diamond. I got many good things. I came back to Bagdad. I was rich. I was happy. I gave money to poor people. I helped many friends. I was ready for more adventures!
Sindbad was very smart and brave. He found a way to be safe and rich! When you are smart and brave, good things can happen. He was happy to be home. He was ready for more fun adventures!
Original Story
Second Voyage
I had resolved, as you know, on my return from my first voyage, to spend the rest of my days quietly in Bagdad, but very soon I grew tired of such an idle life and longed once more to find myself upon the sea.
I procured, therefore, such goods as were suitable for the places I intended to visit, and embarked for the second time in a good ship with other merchants whom I knew to be honourable men. We went from island to island, often making excellent bargains, until one day we landed at a spot which, though covered with fruit trees and abounding in springs of excellent water, appeared to possess neither houses nor people. While my companions wandered here and there gathering flowers and fruit I sat down in a shady place, and, having heartily enjoyed the provisions and the wine I had brought with me, I fell asleep, lulled by the murmur of a clear brook which flowed close by.
How long I slept I know not, but when I opened my eyes and started to my feet I perceived with horror that I was alone and that the ship was gone. I rushed to and fro like one distracted, uttering cries of despair, and when from the shore I saw the vessel under full sail just disappearing upon the horizon, I wished bitterly enough that I had been content to stay at home in safety. But since wishes could do me no good, I presently took courage and looked about me for a means of escape. When I had climbed a tall tree I first of all directed my anxious glances towards the sea; but, finding nothing hopeful there, I turned landward, and my curiosity was excited by a huge dazzling white object, so far off that I could not make out what it might be.
Descending from the tree I hastily collected what remained of my provisions and set off as fast as I could go towards it. As I drew near it seemed to me to be a white ball of immense size and height, and when I could touch it, I found it marvellously smooth and soft. As it was impossible to climb it--for it presented no foot-hold--I walked round about it seeking some opening, but there was none. I counted, however, that it was at least fifty paces round. By this time the sun was near setting, but quite suddenly it fell dark, something like a huge black cloud came swiftly over me, and I saw with amazement that it was a bird of extraordinary size which was hovering near. Then I remembered that I had often heard the sailors speak of a wonderful bird called a roc, and it occurred to me that the white object which had so puzzled me must be its egg.
Sure enough the bird settled slowly down upon it, covering it with its wings to keep it warm, and I cowered close beside the egg in such a position that one of the bird's feet, which was as large as the trunk of a tree, was just in front of me. Taking off my turban I bound myself securely to it with the linen in the hope that the roc, when it took flight next morning, would bear me away with it from the desolate island. And this was precisely what did happen. As soon as the dawn appeared the bird rose into the air carrying me up and up till I could no longer see the earth, and then suddenly it descended so swiftly that I almost lost consciousness. When I became aware that the roc had settled and that I was once again upon solid ground, I hastily unbound my turban from its foot and freed myself, and that not a moment too soon; for the bird, pouncing upon a huge snake, killed it with a few blows from its powerful beak, and seizing it up rose into the air once more and soon disappeared from my view. When I had looked about me I began to doubt if I had gained anything by quitting the desolate island.
The valley in which I found myself was deep and narrow, and surrounded by mountains which towered into the clouds, and were so steep and rocky that there was no way of climbing up their sides. As I wandered about, seeking anxiously for some means of escaping from this trap, I observed that the ground was strewed with diamonds, some of them of an astonishing size. This sight gave me great pleasure, but my delight was speedily damped when I saw also numbers of horrible snakes so long and so large that the smallest of them could have swallowed an elephant with ease. Fortunately for me they seemed to hide in caverns of the rocks by day, and only came out by night, probably because of their enemy the roc.
All day long I wandered up and down the valley, and when it grew dusk I crept into a little cave, and having blocked up the entrance to it with a stone, I ate part of my little store of food and lay down to sleep, but all through the night the serpents crawled to and fro, hissing horribly, so that I could scarcely close my eyes for terror. I was thankful when the morning light appeared, and when I judged by the silence that the serpents had retreated to their dens I came tremblingly out of my cave and wandered up and down the valley once more, kicking the diamonds contemptuously out of my path, for I felt that they were indeed vain things to a man in my situation. At last, overcome with weariness, I sat down upon a rock, but I had hardly closed my eyes when I was startled by something which fell to the ground with a thud close beside me.
It was a huge piece of fresh meat, and as I stared at it several more pieces rolled over the cliffs in different places. I had always thought that the stories the sailors told of the famous valley of diamonds, and of the cunning way which some merchants had devised for getting at the precious stones, were mere travellers' tales invented to give pleasure to the hearers, but now I perceived that they were surely true. These merchants came to the valley at the time when the eagles, which keep their eyries in the rocks, had hatched their young. The merchants then threw great lumps of meat into the valley. These, falling with so much force upon the diamonds, were sure to take up some of the precious stones with them, when the eagles pounced upon the meat and carried it off to their nests to feed their hungry broods. Then the merchants, scaring away the parent birds with shouts and outcries, would secure their treasures. Until this moment I had looked upon the valley as my grave, for I had seen no possibility of getting out of it alive, but now I took courage and began to devise a means of escape. I began by picking up all the largest diamonds I could find and storing them carefully in the leathern wallet which had held my provisions; this I tied securely to my belt. I then chose the piece of meat which seemed most suited to my purpose, and with the aid of my turban bound it firmly to my back; this done I laid down upon my face and awaited the coming of the eagles. I soon heard the flapping of their mighty wings above me, and had the satisfaction of feeling one of them seize upon my piece of meat, and me with it, and rise slowly towards his nest, into which he presently dropped me. Luckily for me the merchants were on the watch, and setting up their usual outcries they rushed to the nest scaring away the eagle. Their amazement was great when they discovered me, and also their disappointment, and with one accord they fell to abusing me for having robbed them of their usual profit. Addressing myself to the one who seemed most aggrieved, I said: "I am sure, if you knew all that I have suffered, you would show more kindness towards me, and as for diamonds, I have enough here of the very best for you and me and all your company." So saying I showed them to him. The others all crowded round me, wondering at my adventures and admiring the device by which I had escaped from the valley, and when they had led me to their camp and examined my diamonds, they assured me that in all the years that they had carried on their trade they had seen no stones to be compared with them for size and beauty.
I found that each merchant chose a particular nest, and took his chance of what he might find in it. So I begged the one who owned the nest to which I had been carried to take as much as he would of my treasure, but he contented himself with one stone, and that by no means the largest, assuring me that with such a gem his fortune was made, and he need toil no more. I stayed with the merchants several days, and then as they were journeying homewards I gladly accompanied them. Our way lay across high mountains infested with frightful serpents, but we had the good luck to escape them and came at last to the seashore. Thence we sailed to the isle of Rohat where the camphor trees grow to such a size that a hundred men could shelter under one of them with ease. The sap flows from an incision made high up in the tree into a vessel hung there to receive it, and soon hardens into the substance called camphor, but the tree itself withers up and dies when it has been so treated.
In this same island we saw the rhinoceros, an animal which is smaller than the elephant and larger than the buffalo. It has one horn about a cubit long which is solid, but has a furrow from the base to the tip. Upon it is traced in white lines the figure of a man. The rhinoceros fights with the elephant, and transfixing him with his horn carries him off upon his head, but becoming blinded with the blood of his enemy, he falls helpless to the ground, and then comes the roc, and clutches them both up in his talons and takes them to feed his young. This doubtless astonishes you, but if you do not believe my tale go to Rohat and see for yourself. For fear of wearying you I pass over in silence many other wonderful things which we saw in this island. Before we left I exchanged one of my diamonds for much goodly merchandise by which I profited greatly on our homeward way. At last we reached Balsora, whence I hastened to Bagdad, where my first action was to bestow large sums of money upon the poor, after which I settled down to enjoy tranquilly the riches I had gained with so much toil and pain.
Having thus related the adventures of his second voyage, Sindbad again bestowed a hundred sequins upon Hindbad, inviting him to come again on the following day and hear how he fared upon his third voyage. The other guests also departed to their homes, but all returned at the same hour next day, including the porter, whose former life of hard work and poverty had already begun to seem to him like a bad dream. Again after the feast was over did Sindbad claim the attention of his guests and began the account of his third voyage.
Story DNA
Moral
Even in the direst circumstances, ingenuity and courage can lead to unexpected fortune.
Plot Summary
Restless after his first voyage, Sindbad embarks on a second journey but is accidentally abandoned on a deserted island. He discovers a giant roc's egg and uses the bird to escape, only to be dropped into a deep valley teeming with enormous snakes and diamonds. Observing merchants using eagles to retrieve diamonds by dropping meat, Sindbad ingeniously binds himself to a piece of meat and is carried out by an eagle. He is discovered by the merchants, shares his diamonds, and continues his journey, encountering more wonders before returning to Bagdad a wealthy man, ready to recount his next adventure.
Themes
Emotional Arc
despair to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Part of 'One Thousand and One Nights,' reflecting medieval Islamic world's trade routes, geography, and fantastical beliefs.
Plot Beats (13)
- Sindbad, bored with quiet life, sets out on a second trading voyage.
- He is accidentally left behind on an uninhabited island after falling asleep.
- He discovers a giant white object, which he realizes is a roc's egg.
- He binds himself to the roc's leg, hoping to be carried away when it flies.
- The roc carries him to a deep, narrow valley surrounded by unclimbable mountains.
- Sindbad finds the valley is full of huge diamonds but also terrifying, giant snakes.
- He hides in a cave at night to escape the snakes, feeling trapped and hopeless.
- He observes merchants throwing meat into the valley for eagles to carry to their nests, collecting diamonds stuck to the meat.
- Sindbad devises a plan: he gathers large diamonds, ties them to his belt, and then binds himself to a piece of meat.
- An eagle seizes the meat (and Sindbad) and carries him to its nest on the cliff top.
- Merchants, expecting diamonds, are surprised to find Sindbad but are impressed by his story and his large diamonds.
- Sindbad shares his diamonds, travels with the merchants, and continues his journey, seeing wonders like camphor trees and rhinoceroses.
- He exchanges a diamond for valuable merchandise and eventually returns to Bagdad, sharing his wealth and preparing for his next tale.
Characters
Sindbad the Sailor
A man of average height and sturdy build, accustomed to the rigors of sea travel and physical exertion. His skin is tanned from exposure to sun and sea, with a few lines around his eyes from squinting at distant horizons. He possesses a resilient constitution.
Attire: When at sea, practical, durable linen trousers and a loose-fitting tunic, possibly in natural earth tones or white. When in Bagdad, he wears a flowing, richly embroidered silk kaftan over a fine linen thobe, with a matching turban, indicating his wealth and status. His traveling attire is more utilitarian, made of sturdy cotton or wool.
Wants: Driven by a thirst for adventure, wealth, and the desire to escape an idle life. He seeks new experiences and the thrill of discovery.
Flaw: A restless spirit that makes him dissatisfied with a quiet life, often leading him into dangerous situations. He can be overly trusting of circumstances or his own luck.
He begins the voyage seeking adventure and profit, faces extreme peril, and ultimately returns even wealthier and more experienced, reinforcing his identity as a seasoned traveler and survivor.
Adventurous, resilient, resourceful, observant, generous.
The Roc
A bird of extraordinary, immense size, with powerful wings that can cover a vast area. Its feathers are likely a dark, possibly black or very dark grey, giving it the appearance of a 'huge black cloud' when in flight. Its feet are as large as tree trunks, and its beak is powerful and capable of killing large prey.
Attire: Not applicable, as it is a bird.
Wants: Survival, feeding its young, protecting its nest.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but its predictable nesting habits are exploited by the diamond merchants.
Remains a consistent force of nature, acting purely on instinct.
Instinctual, predatory, protective (of its egg and young), powerful.
The Diamond Merchants
A group of seasoned men, likely of various builds, but all showing the signs of a life spent in arduous travel and trade. Their skin would be weathered from exposure to sun and wind in harsh environments.
Attire: Practical, durable traveling clothes suitable for mountainous terrain and desert climates. Likely sturdy wool or thick linen tunics and trousers, possibly with cloaks for protection against the elements. Their attire would be less ornate than Sindbad's city clothes, focusing on utility.
Wants: To acquire wealth through the dangerous but profitable trade of diamonds.
Flaw: Their initial greed and possessiveness over their 'usual profit' makes them hostile.
Initially hostile towards Sindbad for interfering with their trade, they become amazed and respectful upon seeing his diamonds and hearing his story, eventually accepting him as a companion.
Shrewd, resourceful, pragmatic, initially suspicious, ultimately fair-minded.
Hindbad the Porter
A man of humble origins, likely of average height but with a strong, stocky build from years of manual labor. His hands would be calloused and his posture slightly stooped from carrying heavy loads.
Attire: Simple, worn linen tunic and trousers, likely in muted, undyed colors, indicative of his poverty. His clothes would be clean but patched, showing signs of heavy use.
Wants: To escape poverty and improve his life; to be entertained and inspired by Sindbad's stories.
Flaw: His poverty and lack of opportunity.
His life is transformed from one of poverty and hard work to one of ease and hope through Sindbad's generosity and inspiring stories.
Hardworking, humble, initially poor and weary, but hopeful and appreciative.
Locations
Deserted Island with Roc Egg
A remote island covered with fruit trees and abundant springs of excellent water, but devoid of human habitation. Features a colossal, smooth, soft, dazzling white object, fifty paces in circumference, which is a roc's egg. The shore is visible, leading to the open sea.
Mood: Initially peaceful and serene, quickly turns desolate and terrifying, then hopeful.
Sindbad is abandoned by his ship, discovers the roc egg, and binds himself to the roc's foot to escape.
Valley of Diamonds and Serpents
A deep, narrow valley enclosed by towering, steep, and rocky mountains that reach into the clouds. The ground is strewn with diamonds of astonishing size. Horrible, enormous snakes, capable of swallowing an elephant, hide in rock caverns by day and emerge at night. Eagle eyries are visible in the high cliffs.
Mood: Initially awe-inspiring due to diamonds, quickly becomes terrifying and desperate due to snakes, then turns to cunning hope.
Sindbad discovers the valley, faces the threat of giant snakes, and devises a plan to escape by attaching himself to a piece of meat carried by an eagle.
Isle of Rohat
A tropical island known for its immense camphor trees, so large that a hundred men could shelter under one. The island is also home to the rhinoceros, an animal smaller than an elephant but larger than a buffalo, with a distinctive furrowed horn.
Mood: Exotic, wondrous, and slightly dangerous due to unique wildlife.
Sindbad and the merchants visit this island, observe its unique flora and fauna, and Sindbad exchanges a diamond for valuable merchandise.