Hindbad, the porter was excited since he was back at the home of Sindbad, the sailor, for another feast and another story. Sindbad, one of the richest men in Baghdad, came by his wealth during his voyages by sheer grit, determination and luck.

The previous days, Sindbad had told Hindbad the adventures during his first and second voyages. Today, Sindbad was going to describe his third voyage.

Most people would happy to lead a peaceful life once they had gained enough riches especially after facing grave danger at every turn. But not Sindbad. He lived a life of leisure for a few years after his second voyage. But soon, Sindbad soon grew weary of life without adventure.

Taking a few goods with him, he went from Baghdad to Bussorah. From Bussorah, he sailed to many islands trading his goods. The ship got stuck in a terrible storm and went off course close to a group of islands one day. Unfortunately, a group of wild men from a neighbouring island pushed them off of the ship and took over the ship. Sindbad and the others had to swim to the closest island for safety.

“This might look like a beautiful island but beware,” said the captain. “Voyagers avoid this part of the island for a certain reason although the reason is unknown to me.”

A little worried and nervous, the men began to walk into the island gathering fruits as they went. Soon they reached a palace.

“This is a fine-looking palace, “thought Sindbad. “I wonder who lives here.”

They entered the courtyard and found piles of human bones. Sitting in the middle was a giant one-eyed monster with sharp teeth, ears as big as an elephant’s and nails like talons. The vision of the beast stunned the men, and they were unable to make their escape. The creature caught the captain first, ate him and went off to sleep.

Each night, the giant killed one person and slept during the day while the men waited in fear for their turn. Everytime, one of them tried to escape, the creature woke up and killed them. After a few days, very few men were left, including Sindbad.

Sindbad discussed with the other men, “We cannot allow the monster to kill us anymore. He has only one eye. Let us blind him while he is asleep and escape.”

Agreeing, a bunch of brave men led by Sindbad managed to blind the creature. “Let us quickly make rafts using the logs from these trees before the creature finds us,” said Sindbad.

After completing the rafts, they took the rafts and sailed until they reached another island.

“Let us stop at this island and hope this is safer than the previous one,” said one of the men. “It is night. Let us light some fire and go to sleep. May tomorrow bring good tidings.”

Unfortunately, he spoke too soon. When they were asleep, they suddenly were woken up by a noise of one of the men screaming. A giant serpent was swallowing him, and nobody could help.

“Out of the frying pan into the fire”, said Sindbad. “Yesterday we rejoiced after escaping one monster, and now we are stuck with another.”

Each day, the serpent began eating the men one by one. Finally, only Sindbad was left. “I will surround myself with wood and thorns. Hopefully, the snake will not be able to reach me to kill me,” thought Sindbad.

Just as he suspected, the serpent could not reach him, and after sometime it finally left in search of food.

Sindbad immediately rushed to the shore and as luck would have it, saw a ship nearby. He waved his turban to draw the attention of the crew. The captain of the ship sent a boat to bring Sindbad onboard the ship.

“What were you doing on that island? Did you not know it is a dangerous place?” asked the captain.

Sindbad recounted his adventures to the captain. “Thank you for rescuing me,” said Sindbad.

“You are welcome. You can join us on our journey. We will soon return to Baghdad,” said the captain.

They anchored at one of the ports to sell their goods. The captain said to Sindbad, “I have some goods that belonged to a merchant whose name was Sindbad. He died on our way. You can sell the goods and take a portion of the profit. I will give the rest to his kin when we return to Baghdad.”

Astonished, Sindbad said, “I am Sindbad. You were the captain of the ship I sailed on during my second voyage. I had not died but overslept and you left me behind in one of the islands. I was not able to recognise you since it has been a few years. I am grateful you held on to my possessions.”

The captain was pleasantly surprised but agreed to return Sindbad’s cargo to him. After getting a good profit for his goods, Sindbad returned to Baghdad even more prosperous than before. He bought an even bigger mansion than the one he already had and also gave charity to many needy people.

With this, Sindbad’s completed the account of his third voyage.

Addressing Hindbad, Sindbad said, “What do you think, my friend? Are you bored or do you want to hear more?”

Hindbad replied, “Of course I want to hear more. It is fascinating to hear about your voyages.”

Sindbad said, “Then come tomorrow for another story. Meanwhile, take these gold coins to your family.”

Hindbad went home happy, planning to return the next day to hear more stories from Sindbad.