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 five voyages. Today, Sindbad was going to describe his sixth voyage.

After having been shipwrecked five times and escaping so many dangers, any person would have been content staying at home, especially when money was not a concern. Barely a year passed since his fifth journey before Sindbad began craving for a new one.

Ignoring the advice of his friends and family, Sindbad started on his sixth voyage.

Sindbad had been in the ship sailing for a few days when he noticed a hopeless look on the face of the captain. Sindbad asked him, “What is the matter, captain?”

“Sometime back, we were in the most dangerous waters found in the ocean. The current there was so rapid that it began carrying the ship along with it. We are way off course, and I have no idea where we are,” said the captain.

Just as the captain said that, a huge wave carried and pushed the ship which went on to hit a mountain on the shores of an island. The ship broke, but thankfully, the people managed to save themselves and their food provisions.

It was a deserted island with wreckages of ships everywhere. One of the men cried out loud in despair, “Look at all the human bones lying on the sand beds. It is obvious that people do not come to this island willingly, and those who come do not find their way back home.”

“There is nothing to eat here. All we have is our provisions. Once we run out of it, only a miracle can save us,” said another.

“Look at all the diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other precious stones filled the base of the mountain. What is the use of all these treasures when there is nothing edible available? At least, the river will ensure we have ample water to drink,” said a third person.

The men divided their provisions equally among them, so each lived longer or shorter depending on how quickly they went through their food.

“The men are dying one by one, and at this rate, there will be none left. Let me be frugal with my provisions. Hopefully, it will help me survive but for how much longer?” thought Sindbad.

Just as he assumed, everyone except Sindbad died.

“It is all my fault,” thought Sindbad. “Everyone stopped me from entering this journey, but I did not pay heed. No matter how many problems I face during my voyages, I am never cured of this wanderlust. What do I do now?”

After lamenting a while about his situation, Sindbad decided to make a raft from the wreckage of the ship.

“Let me take this raft on the river. Eventually, there will be a current, which will lead me to someplace. Anywhere is better than staying here doing nothing and waiting for my death.”

So, Sindbad made a raft with two oars, loaded it with as much diamonds, rubies and other gems as possible and started. Luckily, the current picked up, and he reached land after many days. He was weak from hunger since despite conserving food, he had consumed all his stock days before.

On the ground, Sindbad met some natives who took pity on him and provided him with food. The men lived in Serendib¹. Along with his precious cargo, they took him to the capital city to the King of Serendib.

“Who are you? And why are you here?” asked the King.

“My name is Sindbad, your majesty. I had started on a voyage and was shipwrecked. Your men saved me from starvation,” Sindbad said.

Sindbad went on to narrate how he came to had come to Serendib. Noticing the King admiring the diamonds, rubies and other gems he had, Sindbad said, “What is mine is yours, your majesty. Please take these precious stones as a token of my gratitude.”

The King was impressed with the gesture said, “I am pleased, Sindbad. But, this wealth was given to you by God, and I will not take anything from you. Instead, I will provide you with a living to ensure an increase in your wealth. You can stay in my court and entertain us with the stories of your adventures.”

He then went on to command one of his men to take care of all of Sindbad’s needs.

This way, Sindbad continued living in Serendib and serving the King.

Eventually, after a few months, Sindbad started missing his home. “Please allow me to return to Baghdad, your majesty,” requested Sindbad.

The King not only agreed, but he gifted Sindbad with riches beyond measure. The King then said, “Sindbad, I want you to take this letter and some gifts to your Caliph as a promise of my friendship.”

Sindbad gladly accepted and returned to Baghdad. He then went to the Caliph and delivered the letter and gifts from the King of Serendib.

The Caliph was impressed with Sindbad’s stories and gladly accepted the rich presents that the King had sent. The Caliph gave a gift to Sindbad as a token of his appreciation and sent him home.

With this, Sindbad’s narration of his sixth voyage was complete. Like before, Sindbad gave a hundred gold coins to Hindbad, and they all retired to sleep.

¹ Serendib is modern day Sri Lanka