During the reign of Caliph Haroun-al-Rasheed, there lived a poor porter called Hindbad in the city of Baghdad. His job, every day, was to carry bulky goods from one end of the town to another. One day, as usual, he was on his way to his destination with his burden when he decided to sit down and take rest. The weather was scorching, and he was exhausted. He reached a street and rested on the pavement near a mansion. It was pleasant with the trees giving a cool breeze.

“Looks like there is a celebration in the mansion,” thought Hindbad. “I can hear the sound of laughter along with some music concert. The air is a mixture of fragrance from rose water along with the smell from a feast. If the smell of food is so mouthwatering, I wonder how the food will taste like. I wonder who owns this mansion?”

Hindbad saw a few guards securing the gate and asked them, “Who lives in this mansion?”

The guards answered, “Are you new to this place? Everyone knows Sindbad the sailor owns this mansion. He is the famous voyager who has travelled all over the world.”

Hindbad envied Sindbad. He talked aloud to himself, “Here I am working hard day and night and barely getting enough money to feed my family and me, and here is a man who is so rich that he spends his time in leisure giving a grand feast to others. Just a small difference in our names and his life is as rich and happy as mine is worthless and unhappy.”

Within a few minutes, a servant came to Hindbad and told him, “Come in. The master is calling you.”

Scared that Sindbad was calling him to punish him, Hindbad resisted saying, “My luggage is here. I cannot afford to have anybody steal them.”

The servant replied, “Do not worry. We will take care of it. Please come, the master is waiting.”

Reluctantly, Hindbad allowed the servant to lead him into the house and stopped when they reach a grand dining hall where many people were laughing and feasting. At the head of the table was a man who invited him to sit next to him.

Giving Hindbad refreshments, he said, “I am Sindbad. What was it you were saying outside?”

At once wary, Hindbad nevertheless replied truthfully, “I envy your life, sir. I was lamenting how, despite working hard, I barely make enough money.”

Sindbad replied, “You assume someone had gifted all this richness to me. But what you do not realise is that all the opulence you see in front of you is the result of years of hardships. I went on voyages and endured hardships beyond imagination – both mental and physical. Let me give an account of my voyages, and you can decide for yourself if my life has been easy.”

Saying so, he called his servant to take Hindbad’s luggage to its destination so that Hindbad can remain to hear the story.

Sindbad then started recounting his voyages to a highly receptive and eager audience.

The following is the first voyage as he narrated by Sindbad to his guests and Hindbad.

Sindbad was the son of a wealthy merchant. When his father passed away, he was left with immense wealth. Unfortunately, like many aimless young men, he squandered most of it and was left with very little. Knowing he cannot lead a life of poverty, he decided to sell his remaining property.

Sindbad partnered with a group of merchants, bought some goods and set sail towards the Indies. Being his first time aboard a ship, initially, he was plagued with seasickness but recovered and got used to the sea life pretty soon. They went to many islands where they sold or traded their goods. One day, while travelling on the ship, the Captain saw a very tiny island.

“Why don’t we take a break from the sea. We can disembark and enjoy our lunch here, ” the Captain of the ship said.

While everyone was having their meal, Sindbad decided to stretch his feet a bit and walked into what looked like a forest.

Suddenly, the island vibrated terribly. “All of you back to the ship,” the Captain shouted.

Scared out of their wits, all of them hastened to get on board the ship. During the dash, they did not realise that Sindbad had not joined them.

“Is that an earthquake? Why is this island trembling?” thought Sindbad frightened. Suddenly, the island dived into the sea.

It was not an island but a sea monster. The sea monster had been sleeping for so long that a forest had grown over it. It woke up when Sindbad and the other men had disturbed it.

“Oh no!” lamented Sindbad as he floated on the sea. “God save me. I don’t see my ship anywhere.”

Sindbad swam a bit but eventually lost his energy. Just when he had almost given up hope, a huge wave carried him to another island.

“This island looks lush and green. I hope I can find water and food soon for I don’t have any strength left in me,” thought Sindbad.

He went into the island and miraculously found a spring with fresh water and many wild fruits near it. After quenching his thirst and hunger, he walked deeper into the island where he came across some men.

“Who are you?” one of the men asked.

When Sindbad related his adventure to the men, they replied, “You are lucky you saw us today because we will be leaving for our capital which is a long way from here and difficult to find. We work for the Maharaja of this island. We tend to his horses, bringing them to this uninhabited place to graze in the pastures for a week, after which we return back. Have some food. We will take you with us to our King when we leave.”

Gratefully, Sindbad said, “Thank you.”

The next day they left for their capital and presented Sindbad to their King. The King enjoyed listening to Sindbad’s adventures and gave him a place in his court.

After a few months, while walking on the port, Sindbad saw a ship. “Is this not the ship that I sailed in when I left Baghdad? Let me go and speak to the Captain.”

Sindbad met the Captain who was in disbelief. Eventually, Sindbad convinced him of his identity.

“We thought you had drowned. I was going to sell your goods and give the profits to your family when we returned to Baghdad,” said the Captain.

Sindbad took some of his most expensive cargo with him and gifted it to the King.

“Your majesty, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. I have finally found the passage back to my land along with all my valuables. I will gift them to you as a token of my appreciation.”

The King was pleased. He said, “I will gladly receive them.”

Sindbad then replied, “Your majesty, now that I have gotten my wealth back, I would like to return to my country.”

The King replied, “I will miss you and your adventures, Sindbad. You can leave whenever you want.”

Saying this, the King gifted Sindbad with rich presents. The King’s gifts, along with the sale of his cargo, made Sindbad, a wealthy man. He started back to Baghdad visiting many new places on his way back.

He settled down with a big house and many servants and lead a life of comfort.

With this Sindbad finished his account of his first voyage.

Addressing Hindbad, Sindbad said, “Take these hundred gold coins home and come back tomorrow. I will tell you about my second voyage.”

Gratefully, Hindbad went home and shared his good fortune with his family.