Sixth Voyage
by Andrew Lang · from The Arabian Nights Entertainments
Adapted Version
Once there was a brave sailor. His name was Sindbad. He loved to travel. He wanted to see new lands. Sindbad took a long trip. He walked over land. He found a big ship. He was ready for the sea.
The ship sailed on the big sea. A big storm came. The wind blew hard. The waves were very high. The ship went off course. It hit a tall mountain. The ship broke into many pieces. Sindbad was on the shore. Many old ships broke there.
The captain looked very sad. He said, "This place is bad." Others were gone. Sindbad was all alone now. He needed a good idea. He looked around the island. He must find a way.
Sindbad walked along the shore. He saw a river. Clean water flowed from the mountain. The river went into a dark cave. It went under the rocks. Sindbad thought, "This is a way out!" A good idea!
Sindbad found wood on the beach. He tied the wood tight. He made a strong raft. He put his treasures on it. There were shiny gems. There was sweet wax. He was ready for a brave journey. The river flowed into the dark cave. Sindbad got on his raft.
The raft went into the dark. Sindbad saw nothing. The river carried him along. He felt very hungry. Many days passed in the dark. Sindbad was very tired. He closed his eyes. He fell into a deep sleep.
Sindbad woke up. He saw bright light. He was in a nice land. Green trees grew all around. Friendly people stood near him. They pulled his raft to the shore. They saved Sindbad. He was safe at last. He felt happy to be alive.
One friendly person spoke his language. He said, "We found your raft." They gave food. He ate and felt strong. Sindbad told them his story. He told them about his long trip. He told them about the dark cave.
The friendly people took Sindbad. They took his raft too. They went to their city. They met The Kind King. Sindbad bowed low. The King was very wise.
Sindbad told The Kind King his story. He told him all. The King listened well. He was very impressed. He loved the story very much. He thought Sindbad was brave. The King was very happy.
Sindbad showed his treasures. He showed them to The Kind King. The King did not take them. He said, "Keep your riches." The King gave a home. He gave him many gifts. The King was very good.
Sindbad stayed on the island. He explored many places. He saw tall mountains. He saw nice plants. The island had many treasures. There were shiny pearls. There were sparkling gems. Sindbad learned many things.
Sindbad wanted to go home. He asked The Kind King. The King said, "Yes, you can go." He gave more gifts. There were spices and jewels. He wrote a letter. It was for The Great Caliph. The King helped Sindbad go home.
Sindbad got on a new ship. He sailed home safe. He was happy to be back. He went to the city of Baghdad. He went to see The Great Caliph. Sindbad gave him the gifts. He gave him the letter.
Sindbad told The Great Caliph his story. He told about The Kind King. He told about the island. The Caliph was very pleased. He gave Sindbad more gifts. Sindbad went home to his house. He was safe and happy.
Original Story
Sixth Voyage
It must be a marvel to you how, after having five times met with shipwreck and unheard of perils, I could again tempt fortune and risk fresh trouble. I am even surprised myself when I look back, but evidently it was my fate to rove, and after a year of repose I prepared to make a sixth voyage, regardless of the entreaties of my friends and relations, who did all they could to keep me at home. Instead of going by the Persian Gulf, I travelled a considerable way overland, and finally embarked from a distant Indian port with a captain who meant to make a long voyage. And truly he did so, for we fell in with stormy weather which drove us completely out of our course, so that for many days neither captain nor pilot knew where we were, nor where we were going. When they did at last discover our position we had small ground for rejoicing, for the captain, casting his turban upon the deck and tearing his beard, declared that we were in the most dangerous spot upon the whole wide sea, and had been caught by a current which was at that minute sweeping us to destruction. It was too true! In spite of all the sailors could do we were driven with frightful rapidity towards the foot of a mountain, which rose sheer out of the sea, and our vessel was dashed to pieces upon the rocks at its base, not, however, until we had managed to scramble on shore, carrying with us the most precious of our possessions. When we had done this the captain said to us:
"Now we are here we may as well begin to dig our graves at once, since from this fatal spot no shipwrecked mariner has ever returned."
This speech discouraged us much, and we began to lament over our sad fate.
The mountain formed the seaward boundary of a large island, and the narrow strip of rocky shore upon which we stood was strewn with the wreckage of a thousand gallant ships, while the bones of the luckless mariners shone white in the sunshine, and we shuddered to think how soon our own would be added to the heap. All around, too, lay vast quantities of the costliest merchandise, and treasures were heaped in every cranny of the rocks, but all these things only added to the desolation of the scene. It struck me as a very strange thing that a river of clear fresh water, which gushed out from the mountain not far from where we stood, instead of flowing into the sea as rivers generally do, turned off sharply, and flowed out of sight under a natural archway of rock, and when I went to examine it more closely I found that inside the cave the walls were thick with diamonds, and rubies, and masses of crystal, and the floor was strewn with ambergris. Here, then, upon this desolate shore we abandoned ourselves to our fate, for there was no possibility of scaling the mountain, and if a ship had appeared it could only have shared our doom. The first thing our captain did was to divide equally amongst us all the food we possessed, and then the length of each man's life depended on the time he could make his portion last. I myself could live upon very little.
Nevertheless, by the time I had buried the last of my companions my stock of provisions was so small that I hardly thought I should live long enough to dig my own grave, which I set about doing, while I regretted bitterly the roving disposition which was always bringing me into such straits, and thought longingly of all the comfort and luxury that I had left. But luckily for me the fancy took me to stand once more beside the river where it plunged out of sight in the depths of the cavern, and as I did so an idea struck me. This river which hid itself underground doubtless emerged again at some distant spot. Why should I not build a raft and trust myself to its swiftly flowing waters? If I perished before I could reach the light of day once more I should be no worse off than I was now, for death stared me in the face, while there was always the possibility that, as I was born under a lucky star, I might find myself safe and sound in some desirable land. I decided at any rate to risk it, and speedily built myself a stout raft of drift-wood with strong cords, of which enough and to spare lay strewn upon the beach. I then made up many packages of rubies, emeralds, rock crystal, ambergris, and precious stuffs, and bound them upon my raft, being careful to preserve the balance, and then I seated myself upon it, having two small oars that I had fashioned laid ready to my hand, and loosed the cord which held it to the bank. Once out in the current my raft flew swiftly under the gloomy archway, and I found myself in total darkness, carried smoothly forward by the rapid river. On I went as it seemed to me for many nights and days. Once the channel became so small that I had a narrow escape of being crushed against the rocky roof, and after that I took the precaution of lying flat upon my precious bales. Though I only ate what was absolutely necessary to keep myself alive, the inevitable moment came when, after swallowing my last morsel of food, I began to wonder if I must after all die of hunger. Then, worn out with anxiety and fatigue, I fell into a deep sleep, and when I again opened my eyes I was once more in the light of day; a beautiful country lay before me, and my raft, which was tied to the river bank, was surrounded by friendly looking black men. I rose and saluted them, and they spoke to me in return, but I could not understand a word of their language. Feeling perfectly bewildered by my sudden return to life and light, I murmured to myself in Arabic, "Close thine eyes, and while thou sleepest Heaven will change thy fortune from evil to good."
One of the natives, who understood this tongue, then came forward saying:
"My brother, be not surprised to see us; this is our land, and as we came to get water from the river we noticed your raft floating down it, and one of us swam out and brought you to the shore. We have waited for your awakening; tell us now whence you come and where you were going by that dangerous way?"
I replied that nothing would please me better than to tell them, but that I was starving, and would fain eat something first. I was soon supplied with all I needed, and having satisfied my hunger I told them faithfully all that had befallen me. They were lost in wonder at my tale when it was interpreted to them, and said that adventures so surprising must be related to their king only by the man to whom they had happened. So, procuring a horse, they mounted me upon it, and we set out, followed by several strong men carrying my raft just as it was upon their shoulders. In this order we marched into the city of Serendib, where the natives presented me to their king, whom I saluted in the Indian fashion, prostrating myself at his feet and kissing the ground; but the monarch bade me rise and sit beside him, asking first what was my name.
"I am Sindbad," I replied, "whom men call `the Sailor,' for I have voyaged much upon many seas."
"And how come you here?" asked the king.
I told my story, concealing nothing, and his surprise and delight were so great that he ordered my adventures to be written in letters of gold and laid up in the archives of his kingdom.
Presently my raft was brought in and the bales opened in his presence, and the king declared that in all his treasury there were no such rubies and emeralds as those which lay in great heaps before him. Seeing that he looked at them with interest, I ventured to say that I myself and all that I had were at his disposal, but he answered me smiling:
"Nay, Sindbad. Heaven forbid that I should covet your riches; I will rather add to them, for I desire that you shall not leave my kingdom without some tokens of my good will." He then commanded his officers to provide me with a suitable lodging at his expense, and sent slaves to wait upon me and carry my raft and my bales to my new dwelling place. You may imagine that I praised his generosity and gave him grateful thanks, nor did I fail to present myself daily in his audience chamber, and for the rest of my time I amused myself in seeing all that was most worthy of attention in the city. The island of Serendib being situated on the equinoctial line, the days and nights there are of equal length. The chief city is placed at the end of a beautiful valley, formed by the highest mountain in the world, which is in the middle of the island. I had the curiosity to ascend to its very summit, for this was the place to which Adam was banished out of Paradise. Here are found rubies and many precious things, and rare plants grow abundantly, with cedar trees and cocoa palms. On the seashore and at the mouths of the rivers the divers seek for pearls, and in some valleys diamonds are plentiful. After many days I petitioned the king that I might return to my own country, to which he graciously consented. Moreover, he loaded me with rich gifts, and when I went to take leave of him he entrusted me with a royal present and a letter to the Commander of the Faithful, our sovereign lord, saying, "I pray you give these to the Caliph Haroun al Raschid, and assure him of my friendship."
I accepted the charge respectfully, and soon embarked upon the vessel which the king himself had chosen for me. The king's letter was written in blue characters upon a rare and precious skin of yellowish colour, and these were the words of it: "The King of the Indies, before whom walk a thousand elephants, who lives in a palace, of which the roof blazes with a hundred thousand rubies, and whose treasure house contains twenty thousand diamond crowns, to the Caliph Haroun al Raschid sends greeting. Though the offering we present to you is unworthy of your notice, we pray you to accept it as a mark of the esteem and friendship which we cherish for you, and of which we gladly send you this token, and we ask of you a like regard if you deem us worthy of it. Adieu, brother."
The present consisted of a vase carved from a single ruby, six inches high and as thick as my finger; this was filled with the choicest pearls, large, and of perfect shape and lustre; secondly, a huge snake skin, with scales as large as a sequin, which would preserve from sickness those who slept upon it. Then quantities of aloes wood, camphor, and pistachio-nuts; and lastly, a beautiful slave girl, whose robes glittered with precious stones.
After a long and prosperous voyage we landed at Balsora, and I made haste to reach Bagdad, and taking the king's letter I presented myself at the palace gate, followed by the beautiful slave, and various members of my own family, bearing the treasure.
As soon as I had declared my errand I was conducted into the presence of the Caliph, to whom, after I had made my obeisance, I gave the letter and the king's gift, and when he had examined them he demanded of me whether the Prince of Serendib was really as rich and powerful as he claimed to be.
"Commander of the Faithful," I replied, again bowing humbly before him, "I can assure your Majesty that he has in no way exaggerated his wealth and grandeur. Nothing can equal the magnificence of his palace. When he goes abroad his throne is prepared upon the back of an elephant, and on either side of him ride his ministers, his favourites, and courtiers. On his elephant's neck sits an officer, his golden lance in his hand, and behind him stands another bearing a pillar of gold, at the top of which is an emerald as long as my hand. A thousand men in cloth of gold, mounted upon richly caparisoned elephants, go before him, and as the procession moves onward the officer who guides his elephant cries aloud, `Behold the mighty monarch, the powerful and valiant Sultan of the Indies, whose palace is covered with a hundred thousand rubies, who possesses twenty thousand diamond crowns. Behold a monarch greater than Solomon and Mihrage in all their glory!'"
"Then the one who stands behind the throne answers: 'This king, so great and powerful, must die, must die, must die!'"
"And the first takes up the chant again, `All praise to Him who lives for evermore.'"
"Further, my lord, in Serendib no judge is needed, for to the king himself his people come for justice."
The Caliph was well satisfied with my report.
"From the king's letter," said he, "I judged that he was a wise man. It seems that he is worthy of his people, and his people of him."
So saying he dismissed me with rich presents, and I returned in peace to my own house.
When Sindbad had done speaking his guests withdrew, Hindbad having first received a hundred sequins, but all returned next day to hear the story of the seventh voyage, Sindbad thus began.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Despite five previous shipwrecks, Sindbad embarks on a sixth voyage, only to be stranded on a desolate island where his crew perishes. Discovering a river flowing into a dark cavern, he builds a raft and journeys through the underground passage, emerging into a new land. He is rescued by natives, brought before the benevolent King of Serendib, to whom he recounts his incredible tale. Loaded with gifts and a message for the Caliph, Sindbad returns to Baghdad, successfully completing another perilous adventure.
Themes
Emotional Arc
despair to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The Caliph Haroun al Raschid was a real Abbasid caliph who ruled from 786 to 809 AD, during the Islamic Golden Age, and is a prominent figure in The Arabian Nights. Serendib is an old Persian name for Sri Lanka, known for its gems.
Plot Beats (15)
- Sindbad, against his family's wishes, undertakes a sixth voyage, traveling overland to an Indian port.
- His ship is driven off course by a storm and eventually wrecked on a mountain island, known as a graveyard for ships.
- The captain declares their situation hopeless, and the crew slowly dies of starvation, leaving Sindbad as the sole survivor.
- Sindbad observes a freshwater river flowing into a dark cavern and, in desperation, decides to build a raft to escape through it.
- He gathers driftwood, secures valuable gems and ambergris onto the raft, and embarks on the perilous journey into the underground river.
- After many days in total darkness, enduring hunger and near-crushing, Sindbad falls asleep.
- He awakens to find himself in a beautiful country, surrounded by black men who have pulled his raft ashore.
- One native, understanding Arabic, explains their rescue, and Sindbad, after eating, recounts his incredible story.
- The natives take Sindbad and his raft to their king in the city of Serendib, where he prostrates himself before the monarch.
- Sindbad tells his full story to the King of Serendib, who is greatly impressed and orders it recorded in gold.
- Sindbad presents his treasures to the king, who refuses them but instead provides him with lodging and gifts.
- Sindbad explores the island, including the mountain where Adam was banished, and learns about its riches.
- He requests to return home, and the king grants his wish, loading him with gifts and entrusting him with a letter and present for the Caliph Haroun al Raschid.
- Sindbad has a prosperous voyage to Balsora and then travels to Baghdad, presenting the king's gifts and letter to the Caliph.
- Sindbad describes the immense wealth and unique customs of the King of Serendib to the Caliph, who is satisfied with the report and dismisses Sindbad with more gifts.
Characters
Sindbad the Sailor
A man of average height and sturdy build, accustomed to the rigors of sea travel. His skin is tanned from exposure to sun and wind, and his hands are calloused. He carries himself with a resilient, experienced air, though sometimes weary from his adventures.
Attire: Initially, practical, durable clothing suitable for a merchant and sailor, likely linen or cotton tunics and trousers in earthy tones. Upon returning to Baghdad, he would wear more refined, yet still practical, garments befitting a wealthy merchant, such as a silk tunic, loose trousers, and a turban, perhaps in deep blues or greens.
Wants: To explore the world, accumulate wealth, and experience new wonders, despite the dangers. He is also motivated by a desire to return home to comfort and luxury.
Flaw: An insatiable wanderlust that repeatedly leads him into perilous situations, despite his past misfortunes. He struggles to resist the call of the sea and the promise of riches.
He repeatedly faces extreme danger, loses his fortune, and through his ingenuity and luck, recovers and returns home wealthier than before. His arc is cyclical, emphasizing his enduring nature and the recurring theme of divine intervention.
Adventurous, resilient, resourceful, pious, and somewhat materialistic. He is driven by a thirst for discovery and wealth, yet always attributes his survival to divine providence.
King of Serendib
A majestic and imposing figure, likely of a darker complexion consistent with the Indian subcontinent. He is of regal bearing, radiating authority and wisdom, possibly with a robust build befitting a powerful monarch.
Attire: Exceedingly rich and elaborate Indian royal attire. This would include a flowing silk or brocade angarkha (long coat) in vibrant colors like crimson or gold, possibly embroidered with gold thread and precious stones. He would wear a jeweled turban (pagri) adorned with a large emerald or ruby, and heavy gold necklaces and armlets. A fine silk sash (patka) would be tied at his waist.
Wants: To rule his kingdom justly, maintain its prosperity, and foster diplomatic relations with other powerful rulers like the Caliph.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but perhaps a slight naiveté regarding the outside world, as he is greatly surprised by Sindbad's adventures.
Remains largely unchanged, serving as a wise and generous benefactor to Sindbad, representing a stable and prosperous society.
Wise, generous, benevolent, and discerning. He is impressed by Sindbad's tales and wealth, but values friendship and wisdom above riches.
Caliph Haroun al Raschid
A powerful and dignified ruler, likely of a robust build, reflecting his authority and comfortable life. His presence would command respect.
Attire: Exquisite Abbasid-era court attire. This would include flowing silk robes (thobe or dishdasha) in rich colors like emerald green or deep purple, possibly embroidered with gold thread. He would wear a jeweled turban, perhaps with a golden circlet or a plume, and fine leather sandals. His attire would signify immense wealth and power.
Wants: To maintain the prosperity and influence of his caliphate, to gather knowledge, and to ensure justice for his people.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but perhaps a slight detachment from the common perils of his subjects due to his elevated position.
Remains unchanged, serving as the ultimate authority and a symbol of the civilized world to which Sindbad returns.
Wise, discerning, powerful, and appreciative of knowledge and exotic tales. He is a just ruler who values good governance and diplomacy.
Beautiful Slave Girl
Of exquisite beauty, with a graceful and slender figure. Her features are delicate and captivating, designed to be visually appealing.
Attire: Luxurious and glittering robes, likely made of fine silk or brocade, in rich colors like deep red or royal blue, heavily embroidered and adorned with precious stones. Her attire is designed to highlight her beauty and value as a gift.
Wants: To serve her new master, Sindbad, and later the Caliph, as a valued member of the household.
Flaw: Her status as a possession, lacking personal agency.
Her role is static; she serves as a symbol of the King of Serendib's generosity and the exotic treasures of his land.
Implied to be gentle and refined, as she is a royal gift. Her personality is not deeply explored, but her presence is meant to convey beauty and value.
Locations
Desolate Island Shore
A narrow, rocky strip of shore at the foot of a sheer mountain rising directly from the sea. It is strewn with the wreckage of countless ships, the white bones of mariners, and vast quantities of costly merchandise and treasures heaped in every cranny. A river of clear fresh water gushes from the mountain, turning sharply to flow under a natural archway of rock.
Mood: Desolate, grim, hopeless, eerie with the bones and wreckage, yet strangely rich with scattered treasures.
Sindbad and his crew are shipwrecked here, realizing their doom. Sindbad later discovers the underground river and devises his escape.
Underground River Cavern
A dark, subterranean cavern through which a swift river flows. The walls are thick with diamonds, rubies, and masses of crystal, and the floor is strewn with ambergris. The channel varies in size, at one point becoming very narrow, almost crushing a raft against the rocky roof.
Mood: Gloomy, mysterious, dangerous, yet filled with hidden wealth. A sense of claustrophobia and uncertainty.
Sindbad travels through this perilous passage on his raft, escaping the desolate island and carrying immense wealth.
Royal Palace of Serendib
A magnificent palace where the roof blazes with a hundred thousand rubies and the treasure house contains twenty thousand diamond crowns. The king's audience chamber is grand, and the palace is attended by slaves and officers. The architecture is implied to be of Indian or Southeast Asian influence, with a focus on opulence.
Mood: Opulent, regal, awe-inspiring, wealthy, powerful.
Sindbad is presented to the King of Serendib, recounts his adventures, and receives lavish gifts and safe passage home.
Caliph Haroun al Raschid's Palace, Baghdad
The grand palace of the Caliph in Baghdad, a center of power and wealth. Sindbad is conducted into the Caliph's presence, implying a formal and impressive setting befitting a powerful ruler.
Mood: Authoritative, majestic, formal, powerful, historically significant.
Sindbad delivers the King of Serendib's letter and gifts to the Caliph, recounts his adventures, and is rewarded.