The Valley of Diamonds

After a period of restless ease in Baghdad, Sinbad set sail on his second voyage. During a stop at a lush, uninhabited island, he fell into a deep sleep and awoke to find his ship and crew had sailed away, leaving him abandoned. Exploring the island, he discovered a colossal, smooth white dome, which he soon realized was the egg of a Roc, a legendary giant bird. When the sun darkened and the massive bird descended to brood upon its egg, Sinbad used his long turban to lash himself to the creature's scaly leg. At dawn, the Roc flew to a deep, steep-walled canyon—the Valley of Diamonds. The floor was carpeted with immense gems but swarmed with giant vipers. Sinbad observed local merchants dropping raw carcasses of meat into the valley from the cliffs above; diamonds would stick to the meat, which eagles would then carry back up to their nests. Sinbad gathered a pouch of the finest diamonds, tied himself to a large piece of meat, and was carried up by an eagle. Rescued by the astonished merchants, he eventually returned to Baghdad wealthier than ever before.

“I found myself in a valley, the soil of which was composed of diamonds of a size and beauty beyond all belief.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Valley of Diamonds?

The story teaches that resourcefulness and presence of mind are essential for survival. It highlights how intelligence and courage can turn a seemingly hopeless situation into a great success.

How did Sinbad escape the deserted island?

Sinbad escaped by tying himself to the leg of a Roc, a mythical giant bird, using his turban. The bird flew him from the island to the inaccessible Valley of Diamonds.

What is a Roc in the Sinbad stories?

The Roc is a legendary bird of prey from Middle Eastern mythology, described as being so large and powerful that it could carry off elephants to feed its young.

How did the merchants get diamonds out of the valley?

Merchants threw large pieces of raw meat down into the canyon, where diamonds would stick to the flesh. Eagles would then swoop down, grab the meat, and carry it to their nests where the merchants retrieved the gems.

Which voyage is The Valley of Diamonds?

This adventure takes place during Sinbad's second voyage out of his seven famous journeys. It is one of the most iconic chapters in the One Thousand and One Nights collection.

How does Sinbad finally return home?

After being carried out of the valley by an eagle while clutching a piece of meat, Sinbad met a group of merchants. He shared his wealth with them, joined their caravan, and eventually found a ship heading back to Baghdad.