Seventh and Last Voyage
by Andrew Lang · from The Arabian Nights Entertainments
Adapted Version
Sindbad was a man. He lived in a big city. He had many adventures. Now Sindbad was tired. He took many long trips. He saw many strange places. Sindbad wanted to stay home. He wanted a quiet life. No more big ships. No more far lands.
One day, King Haroun sent for Sindbad. King Haroun was a great ruler. He had a special job. He needed Sindbad to go. Sindbad must go to a far island. He must take a letter. He must take a gift. Sindbad did not want to go. But King Haroun asked him. Sindbad must obey the King.
Sindbad said yes. He took the letter and gifts. He got on a big ship. The ship sailed far away. It went to the island. The Island King met Sindbad. He was happy to see Sindbad. Sindbad gave him the gifts. Sindbad gave him the letter.
Sindbad got on a ship. He started his trip home. Bad men came. They were pirates. They took the ship. They took Sindbad too. Sindbad was very sad. The bad men took him. He had to work for a new boss.
Sindbad had a new boss. Sindbad's Boss was a rich man. He lived near a big forest. Many Elephants lived there. Sindbad's Boss wanted elephant teeth. These were called tusks. Sindbad must find the tusks. He must go into the forest.
Sindbad went to the forest. He sat high in a tree. He waited for Elephants. He looked for their tusks. He did this every day. He did this for two months. Sindbad found many tusks. He brought them to his boss.
One morning, Sindbad saw Elephants. Many Elephants came. They stood around his tree. They made a loud sound. They pushed the tree down. Sindbad was on the tree. A big elephant picked him up. He put Sindbad on his back.
The elephant walked far. Sindbad rode on its back. They came to a secret place. Many tusks were there. They were white and shiny. This was the elephants' ground.
Sindbad saw the tusks. He understood the elephants. They were very smart. They showed him the tusks. He did not hurt them. This was a good way.
Sindbad went to his boss. He told him the story. His boss was surprised. Sindbad led him there. They saw many tusks.
His boss was very happy. He had many tusks now. He gave Sindbad freedom. He gave Sindbad gold. Sindbad was rich.
Sindbad took his gold. He got on a ship. He sailed home to Bagdad. It was a long trip. He was going home.
Sindbad came to Bagdad. He went to King Haroun. He told his story. King Haroun was happy. He heard about the elephants.
Sindbad was home. He was very happy. He shared his money. He had a good friend, Hindbad. Sindbad lived in peace.
Original Story
Seventh and Last Voyage
After my sixth voyage I was quite determined that I would go to sea no more. I was now of an age to appreciate a quiet life, and I had run risks enough. I only wished to end my days in peace. One day, however, when I was entertaining a number of my friends, I was told that an officer of the Caliph wished to speak to me, and when he was admitted he bade me follow him into the presence of Haroun al Raschid, which I accordingly did. After I had saluted him, the Caliph said:
"I have sent for you, Sindbad, because I need your services. I have chosen you to bear a letter and a gift to the King of Serendib in return for his message of friendship."
The Caliph's commandment fell upon me like a thunderbolt.
"Commander of the Faithful," I answered, "I am ready to do all that your Majesty commands, but I humbly pray you to remember that I am utterly disheartened by the unheard of sufferings I have undergone. Indeed, I have made a vow never again to leave Bagdad."
With this I gave him a long account of some of my strangest adventures, to which he listened patiently.
"I admit," said he, "that you have indeed had some extraordinary experiences, but I do not see why they should hinder you from doing as I wish. You have only to go straight to Serendib and give my message, then you are free to come back and do as you will. But go you must; my honour and dignity demand it."
Seeing that there was no help for it, I declared myself willing to obey; and the Caliph, delighted at having got his own way, gave me a thousand sequins for the expenses of the voyage. I was soon ready to start, and taking the letter and the present I embarked at Balsora, and sailed quickly and safely to Serendib. Here, when I had disclosed my errand, I was well received, and brought into the presence of the king, who greeted me with joy.
"Welcome, Sindbad," he cried. "I have thought of you often, and rejoice to see you once more."
After thanking him for the honour that he did me, I displayed the Caliph's gifts. First a bed with complete hangings all cloth of gold, which cost a thousand sequins, and another like to it of crimson stuff. Fifty robes of rich embroidery, a hundred of the finest white linen from Cairo, Suez, Cufa, and Alexandria. Then more beds of different fashion, and an agate vase carved with the figure of a man aiming an arrow at a lion, and finally a costly table, which had once belonged to King Solomon. The King of Serendib received with satisfaction the assurance of the Caliph's friendliness toward him, and now my task being accomplished I was anxious to depart, but it was some time before the king would think of letting me go. At last, however, he dismissed me with many presents, and I lost no time in going on board a ship, which sailed at once, and for four days all went well. On the fifth day we had the misfortune to fall in with pirates, who seized our vessel, killing all who resisted, and making prisoners of those who were prudent enough to submit at once, of whom I was one. When they had despoiled us of all we possessed, they forced us to put on vile raiment, and sailing to a distant island there sold us for slaves. I fell into the hands of a rich merchant, who took me home with him, and clothed and fed me well, and after some days sent for me and questioned me as to what I could do.
I answered that I was a rich merchant who had been captured by pirates, and therefore I knew no trade.
"Tell me," said he, "can you shoot with a bow?"
I replied that this had been one of the pastimes of my youth, and that doubtless with practice my skill would come back to me.
Upon this he provided me with a bow and arrows, and mounting me with him upon his own elephant took the way to a vast forest which lay far from the town. When we had reached the wildest part of it we stopped, and my master said to me: "This forest swarms with elephants. Hide yourself in this great tree, and shoot at all that pass you. When you have succeeded in killing one come and tell me."
So saying he gave me a supply of food, and returned to the town, and I perched myself high up in the tree and kept watch. That night I saw nothing, but just after sunrise the next morning a large herd of elephants came crashing and trampling by. I lost no time in letting fly several arrows, and at last one of the great animals fell to the ground dead, and the others retreated, leaving me free to come down from my hiding place and run back to tell my master of my success, for which I was praised and regaled with good things. Then we went back to the forest together and dug a mighty trench in which we buried the elephant I had killed, in order that when it became a skeleton my master might return and secure its tusks.
For two months I hunted thus, and no day passed without my securing, an elephant. Of course I did not always station myself in the same tree, but sometimes in one place, sometimes in another. One morning as I watched the coming of the elephants I was surprised to see that, instead of passing the tree I was in, as they usually did, they paused, and completely surrounded it, trumpeting horribly, and shaking the very ground with their heavy tread, and when I saw that their eyes were fixed upon me I was terrified, and my arrows dropped from my trembling hand. I had indeed good reason for my terror when, an instant later, the largest of the animals wound his trunk round the stem of my tree, and with one mighty effort tore it up by the roots, bringing me to the ground entangled in its branches. I thought now that my last hour was surely come; but the huge creature, picking me up gently enough, set me upon its back, where I clung more dead than alive, and followed by the whole herd turned and crashed off into the dense forest. It seemed to me a long time before I was once more set upon my feet by the elephant, and I stood as if in a dream watching the herd, which turned and trampled off in another direction, and were soon hidden in the dense underwood. Then, recovering myself, I looked about me, and found that I was standing upon the side of a great hill, strewn as far as I could see on either hand with bones and tusks of elephants. "This then must be the elephants' burying place," I said to myself, "and they must have brought me here that I might cease to persecute them, seeing that I want nothing but their tusks, and here lie more than I could carry away in a lifetime."
Whereupon I turned and made for the city as fast as I could go, not seeing a single elephant by the way, which convinced me that they had retired deeper into the forest to leave the way open to the Ivory Hill, and I did not know how sufficiently to admire their sagacity. After a day and a night I reached my master's house, and was received by him with joyful surprise.
"Ah! poor Sindbad," he cried, "I was wondering what could have become of you. When I went to the forest I found the tree newly uprooted, and the arrows lying beside it, and I feared I should never see you again. Pray tell me how you escaped death."
I soon satisfied his curiosity, and the next day we went together to the Ivory Hill, and he was overjoyed to find that I had told him nothing but the truth. When we had loaded our elephant with as many tusks as it could carry and were on our way back to the city, he said:
"My brother--since I can no longer treat as a slave one who has enriched me thus--take your liberty and may Heaven prosper you. I will no longer conceal from you that these wild elephants have killed numbers of our slaves every year. No matter what good advice we gave them, they were caught sooner or later. You alone have escaped the wiles of these animals, therefore you must be under the special protection of Heaven. Now through you the whole town will be enriched without further loss of life, therefore you shall not only receive your liberty, but I will also bestow a fortune upon you."
To which I replied, "Master, I thank you, and wish you all prosperity. For myself I only ask liberty to return to my own country."
"It is well," he answered, "the monsoon will soon bring the ivory ships hither, then I will send you on your way with somewhat to pay your passage."
So I stayed with him till the time of the monsoon, and every day we added to our store of ivory till all his ware-houses were overflowing with it. By this time the other merchants knew the secret, but there was enough and to spare for all. When the ships at last arrived my master himself chose the one in which I was to sail, and put on board for me a great store of choice provisions, also ivory in abundance, and all the costliest curiosities of the country, for which I could not thank him enough, and so we parted. I left the ship at the first port we came to, not feeling at ease upon the sea after all that had happened to me by reason of it, and having disposed of my ivory for much gold, and bought many rare and costly presents, I loaded my pack animals, and joined a caravan of merchants. Our journey was long and tedious, but I bore it patiently, reflecting that at least I had not to fear tempests, nor pirates, nor serpents, nor any of the other perils from which I had suffered before, and at length we reached Bagdad. My first care was to present myself before the Caliph, and give him an account of my embassy. He assured me that my long absence had disquieted him much, but he had nevertheless hoped for the best. As to my adventure among the elephants he heard it with amazement, declaring that he could not have believed it had not my truthfulness been well known to him.
By his orders this story and the others I had told him were written by his scribes in letters of gold, and laid up among his treasures. I took my leave of him, well satisfied with the honours and rewards he bestowed upon me; and since that time I have rested from my labours, and given myself up wholly to my family and my friends.
Thus Sindbad ended the story of his seventh and last voyage, and turning to Hindbad he added:
"Well, my friend, and what do you think now? Have you ever heard of anyone who has suffered more, or had more narrow escapes than I have? Is it not just that I should now enjoy a life of ease and tranquillity?"
Hindbad drew near, and kissing his hand respectfully, replied, "Sir, you have indeed known fearful perils; my troubles have been nothing compared to yours. Moreover, the generous use you make of your wealth proves that you deserve it. May you live long and happily in the enjoyment in it."
Sindbad then gave him a hundred sequins, and hence-forward counted him among his friends; also he caused him to give up his profession as a porter, and to eat daily at his table that he might all his life remember Sindbad the Sailor.
Story DNA
Moral
Even when one desires peace, duty and unforeseen circumstances can lead to new challenges, but perseverance and ingenuity can lead to unexpected rewards and a peaceful end.
Plot Summary
Despite his desire for a peaceful retirement, Sindbad is commanded by the Caliph to undertake a seventh voyage as an ambassador to the King of Serendib. On his return, he is captured by pirates and sold into slavery, forced to hunt elephants for ivory. A wise herd of elephants, instead of harming him, leads him to their secret burial ground, revealing a vast source of ivory without further killing. This discovery earns him his freedom and a fortune from his master. Sindbad finally returns to Bagdad, reports his incredible journey to the Caliph, and settles into a life of well-deserved tranquility, sharing his wealth and wisdom with others.
Themes
Emotional Arc
reluctance to duty to peril to triumph to contentment
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. Haroun al Raschid was a real Abbasid Caliph (786-809 AD) known for his patronage of arts and sciences.
Plot Beats (14)
- Sindbad, weary of travel, resolves to stay in Bagdad after six voyages.
- The Caliph Haroun al Raschid commands Sindbad to undertake a seventh voyage as an envoy to the King of Serendib.
- Sindbad reluctantly agrees, delivers the Caliph's gifts and message, and is well-received by the King of Serendib.
- On his return voyage, Sindbad's ship is attacked by pirates, and he is captured and sold as a slave.
- Sindbad is bought by a rich merchant who tasks him with hunting elephants for their ivory tusks in a dense forest.
- Sindbad successfully hunts elephants for two months, shooting them from a tree.
- One morning, a herd of elephants surrounds Sindbad's tree, uproots it, and the largest elephant carries him away on its back.
- The elephant takes Sindbad to a hidden valley, which is revealed to be the elephants' burial ground, filled with tusks.
- Sindbad realizes the elephants' intelligence and their intention to show him where to find ivory without killing them.
- Sindbad returns to his master, explains his discovery, and leads him to the Ivory Hill.
- His master, enriched by the discovery, grants Sindbad his freedom and a fortune.
- Sindbad sails back to the mainland, sells his ivory, and travels by caravan to Bagdad.
- Sindbad reports his successful embassy and extraordinary adventure to the Caliph, who orders his stories to be recorded.
- Sindbad finally settles down to a life of peace, sharing his wealth and wisdom with Hindbad, who becomes his friend and dines at his table.
Characters
Sindbad the Sailor
A man of robust build, weathered by years of sea voyages and exotic climates, but still possessing a strong constitution. His skin is tanned, and his hands are calloused from a life of adventure. He carries himself with a slight stoop from past hardships but can still move with purpose when needed.
Attire: Initially, he wears the fine, flowing silk robes and a jeweled turban befitting a wealthy merchant of Baghdad. After being enslaved, he is forced into 'vile raiment' – likely coarse, undyed linen or cotton tunic and trousers, possibly torn. Upon his return to Baghdad, he reverts to luxurious, richly embroidered silk kaftans, wide trousers, and a finely woven turban, often in deep blues, greens, or reds, adorned with gold thread.
Wants: Initially, to live a quiet life of ease and peace after his many voyages. Later, his primary motivation becomes survival and fulfilling his duties, eventually returning to his homeland and enjoying his hard-earned wealth.
Flaw: His reluctance to embark on new voyages, despite being compelled by duty, and his initial fear when confronted by the elephants. He is also vulnerable to the unpredictable dangers of the sea.
He is forced out of his comfortable retirement, endures another harrowing journey and enslavement, but through his ingenuity, he not only escapes but also enriches himself and his temporary master. He returns to Baghdad, finally at peace, and uses his wealth generously.
Resilient, adventurous (despite his vows), resourceful, patient, and ultimately generous. He is a man of his word, even when it means facing his greatest fears.
Haroun al Raschid (The Caliph)
A man of regal bearing, likely of average height but with an imposing presence. His physique is well-maintained, befitting a ruler, though not necessarily muscular. He exudes authority and power.
Attire: Exquisite, flowing court robes made of the finest silks and brocades, often in rich jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue, heavily embroidered with gold thread and intricate patterns. He would wear a magnificent turban, possibly adorned with jewels and a plume, signifying his supreme authority.
Wants: To maintain diplomatic relations and honor with the King of Serendib, and to uphold the dignity of his Caliphate.
Flaw: His reliance on others to carry out his will, and perhaps a slight impatience when his commands are not immediately accepted.
Remains consistent throughout the story, serving as the catalyst for Sindbad's final voyage and the ultimate recipient of his report. He is a stable, unchanging figure of authority.
Authoritative, patient (when listening to Sindbad's tales), determined, and ultimately just. He is accustomed to having his commands obeyed.
King of Serendib
A monarch of a distant, exotic land, likely with features consistent with South Asian or Southeast Asian ethnicity. He would be of a noble build, perhaps slender or robust, but always carrying himself with royal grace.
Attire: Richly colored silk or brocade garments, possibly a long tunic (like a sherwani or similar regional attire) over trousers, adorned with intricate embroidery and precious jewels. He would wear a magnificent crown or an elaborate turban, signifying his royal status. The fabrics would be vibrant and luxurious, possibly featuring local patterns.
Wants: To maintain friendly relations with the Caliph of Baghdad and to receive and honor his envoys.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but perhaps a slight tendency to delay Sindbad's departure due to his hospitality.
Remains consistent, serving as a gracious host and a point of diplomatic exchange in Sindbad's journey.
Friendly, welcoming, appreciative of diplomatic gestures, and hospitable. He shows genuine warmth towards Sindbad.
The Merchant (Sindbad's Master)
A robust and practical man, likely of the same ethnicity as the island's inhabitants (implied to be South Asian or Southeast Asian). He would have a strong, capable build, accustomed to managing his business and property.
Attire: Practical but good quality local attire, such as a sturdy cotton or linen tunic (kurta) over trousers, perhaps with a simple sash. His clothing would be clean and well-kept, reflecting his wealth, but not as ornate as royalty. He might wear a simple turban or cap.
Wants: To profit from the ivory trade and manage his estate. Later, his motivation shifts to ensuring the safety and prosperity of his town by finding a sustainable way to acquire ivory.
Flaw: His initial reliance on dangerous methods (sending slaves to hunt elephants) due to a lack of understanding of the elephants' behavior.
He learns from Sindbad's experience and changes his approach to the ivory trade, becoming even more prosperous and ensuring the safety of his people. He also demonstrates generosity by freeing Sindbad and bestowing a fortune upon him.
Shrewd, practical, observant, fair, and ultimately generous. He is a good businessman who recognizes talent and rewards it.
Hindbad
A man of humble origins, likely of average height and build, but with a body hardened by manual labor. His skin would be tanned from working outdoors.
Attire: Simple, coarse, and worn clothing typical of a porter in Baghdad – likely a tunic and trousers made of undyed or faded linen or cotton, possibly patched. He would carry a sturdy rope or strap for his work.
Wants: To earn a living as a porter and provide for himself. Later, to understand and learn from Sindbad's experiences.
Flaw: His initial poverty and the hardship of his life, which makes him susceptible to envy.
He begins as a weary, struggling porter and ends as a friend and beneficiary of Sindbad, freed from his arduous profession and invited to dine at Sindbad's table, signifying a complete transformation of his life.
Humble, respectful, hardworking, and appreciative. He is initially envious of Sindbad's wealth but comes to admire his resilience.
The Elephants
Massive, grey-skinned creatures with thick, wrinkled hides, large floppy ears, and long, powerful trunks. They possess immense strength and heavy, thudding footsteps that shake the ground. The largest among them is particularly imposing.
Attire: None, they are wild animals.
Wants: To protect their herd and their sacred burying ground from human exploitation, specifically the hunting for their tusks.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, their strength and intelligence make them formidable.
They initially appear as a threat, but through their actions, they reveal their intelligence and lead Sindbad to their 'Ivory Hill,' effectively ending the need for hunting and establishing a new, less violent relationship with humans.
Initially appear as dangerous, territorial, and destructive to human interests (from the merchant's perspective). Later revealed to be intelligent, sagacious, and capable of strategic thinking and communication.
Locations
Caliph Haroun al Raschid's Palace
The opulent royal residence of the Caliph in Baghdad, likely featuring Abbasid-era architecture with muqarnas vaults, intricate geometric tile mosaics, and grand reception halls. The air would be rich with the scent of incense and fine fabrics.
Mood: Formal, authoritative, luxurious, slightly intimidating due to the Caliph's presence
Sindbad is summoned by the Caliph and commanded to undertake his seventh voyage to Serendib.
King of Serendib's Palace
A royal palace on the island of Serendib (Sri Lanka), likely reflecting ancient Sri Lankan architectural styles with intricately carved wooden pillars, perhaps a tiered roof, and open-air courtyards. The interior would be adorned with local crafts and rich textiles.
Mood: Welcoming, exotic, regal, appreciative
Sindbad delivers the Caliph's gifts and message to the King of Serendib, completing his diplomatic mission.
Vast Tropical Forest (Elephant Hunting Ground)
A dense, wild tropical forest on an unnamed island, teeming with elephants. The canopy is thick, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground. The air is humid, filled with the sounds of unseen creatures. Large, ancient trees provide hiding places.
Mood: Wild, dangerous, suspenseful, primal
Sindbad is forced to hunt elephants for their tusks, leading to his capture by the herd.
Ivory Hill (Elephants' Burying Place)
A great hill within the dense forest, completely strewn with countless bones and tusks of elephants, stretching as far as the eye can see. The ground is dry and dusty, covered in the bleached remains of generations of elephants.
Mood: Eerie, awe-inspiring, desolate, rich with morbid treasure
Sindbad is brought here by the elephants, discovering their secret burying ground and the source of immense ivory wealth.