After the success of his first journey, Sinbad’s spirit of adventure grew restless in Baghdad. He set sail once more, but during a stop on a lush, uninhabited island, he fell into a deep sleep and woke to find his ship and crew had accidentally sailed away. While exploring the island in despair, he encountered a massive, smooth white dome of incredible circumference. As he wondered at it, the sky darkened as if by a cloud, but it was actually the wings of a Roc—a legendary giant bird—descending to brood upon the dome, which was its egg. Sinbad tied himself to the Roc’s massive leg using his long turban. The bird flew him to a deep, steep-walled canyon known as the Valley of Diamonds. The floor was carpeted with immense gems but guarded by colossal serpents. Sinbad noticed merchants throwing raw carcasses into the valley, hoping diamonds would stick to the meat so eagles could carry them up. Thinking quickly, he gathered a pouch of diamonds, lashed himself to a large piece of meat, and was carried to safety by an eagle, eventually sharing his wealth with the merchants and returning home a millionaire.
Resourcefulness and courage in the face of abandonment can turn a dire situation into a great fortune.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Sinbad's Second Voyage?
The story teaches that perseverance and ingenuity are essential when facing life's unexpected challenges. Even in the depths of despair, a quick wit can find a way to thrive.
What is the giant white dome Sinbad finds?
The giant white dome is the egg of a Roc, a legendary bird of prey from Middle Eastern mythology. It is so large that Sinbad initially cannot identify it as an egg.
How does Sinbad escape the Valley of Diamonds?
He ties himself to a large piece of raw meat thrown into the valley by merchants. A giant eagle then picks up the meat—and Sinbad along with it—carrying him out of the pit.
Why do merchants throw meat into the valley?
The valley floor is covered in diamonds but is inaccessible and filled with serpents. Merchants throw meat down so gems stick to it, allowing eagles to bring the diamonds to their nests.
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Good night.
