Sinbad and the Old Man of the Sea

The Call to Adventure

Sinbad the merchant had been on a trading voyage where he experienced numerous adventures. After spending some time at home living in pleasure and luxury, he realized that he only remembered the excitement and pleasure of his travels, forgetting the sufferings he had endured. Overcome by the desire to travel again, to explore new seas and lands, he was soon headed for another journey.

Beginning of a New Expedition

One day, while walking by the harbour, Sinbad spotted a fine ship which had just been built. He bought it at once, hired an experienced captain and crew, and found several other merchants willing to join him on a trading expedition. The team boarded the vessel with their goods and set sail.

The Encounter with the Roc

In their travels, they visited various countries and islands. During one such journey, they discovered an island where they saw a big, half-buried white dome. Sinbad immediately knew this was the egg of the monstrous bird named Roc. The intrigued passengers, having heard of the Roc, persuaded Sinbad to let them explore. However, their curiosity got the best of them and they ended up killing the Roc egg’s occupant and feasting on it, much to Sinbad’s horror. His worst fears were confirmed when two Rocs destroyed their ship as vengeance for their lost offspring.

Surviving Alone

Everyone was flung into the sea from the shock, but Sinbad managed to escape by clinging to a piece of wreckage. He washed up on a beautiful island, filled with succulent fruit, clear water streams, bright flowers, and the sweet songs of birds. It seemed like paradise until Sinbad encountered a silent old man, who turned out to be a fearsome burden.

A Forced Servitude

The old man tricked Sinbad into carrying him around the island, becoming a torturous load as he refused to disembark from Sinbad’s back. Sinbad was held captive by this man, who treated him like a slave during the day, and refused to let go even at night. Though desperate and weary, Sinbad soon discovered a solution to his plight.

The Sweet Taste of Freedom

Using the juice of grapes, Sinbad concocted homemade wine in a dried gourd. Delighted to find an intoxicant, the old man drank it all and grew drunk quickly. Seizing this opportunity, Sinbad shook the old man off and executed him, thus protecting future travelers and regaining his long-lost freedom.

A Blessed Escape

Spotting a passing ship one day, Sinbad narrated his experiences to the sailors. They informed him that his tormentor had been the infamous Old Man of the Sea. Embarking on their ship, he traveled with them, experienced the spectacle of the City of Apes, and built a profitable coconut trade.

Return of the Merchant

With his earnings, Sinbad bought a cargo of coconuts and other goods which he traded on his journey. After hiring divers in the Sea of Pearls, Sinbad amassed a fortune of priceless pearls. He returned home, not as a weary traveler, but as a wealthy merchant. His return was celebrated by all, and he generously shared his riches with family, friends, and the less fortunate in the town, before immersing himself back into his life of pleasure.