Sinbad's First Voyage

After squandering his inheritance, a young merchant named Sinbad set sail from Baghdad to restore his fortune. During his travels, his ship anchored near a lush, green island. The crew went ashore to rest and cook, but as they lit their fires, the land began to tremble and submerge. The 'island' was actually a colossal whale that had been sleeping at the surface for so long that trees had grown on its back. As the whale dived, the captain and several sailors scrambled back to the ship, leaving Sinbad stranded. Clinging to a wooden trough, he drifted for days until he reached a mountainous island. There, he met the grooms of King Mihrage and saved the King’s prize stallion from a sea monster. Impressed by his bravery, King Mihrage welcomed Sinbad into his court. One day, a ship arrived at the harbor, and Sinbad recognized it as his original vessel. Though the captain initially doubted him, Sinbad proved his identity by describing the goods he had left on board. Reunited with his wealth and laden with gifts from the King, Sinbad returned to Baghdad, far richer and wiser than when he had left.