Arabian NightsSinbad the Sailor

Sinbad and the Roc

Stranded on an island, Sinbad hitches a ride on a giant bird to a hidden valley of diamonds.

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Illustration for Sinbad and the Roc - a sinbad the sailor Arabian Nights story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Embark on a legendary journey with Sinbad and the Roc. Stranded on a desert island, the brave sailor uses his wits to escape via a giant bird and find fortune.

After a period of rest in Baghdad, the restless Sinbad set sail once more. During a stop at a lush, uninhabited island, he fell into a deep sleep, only to wake and find his ship had departed without him. While exploring, he discovered a colossal, smooth white dome. As the sun darkened, a gargantuan bird known as a Roc descended, nesting upon the dome, which Sinbad realized was its egg. Seizing a desperate chance, he unwound his long turban and lashed himself to the bird’s pillar-like leg. At dawn, the Roc took flight, carrying him to a deep canyon: the Valley of Diamonds. Though the valley floor was carpeted with gems, it was guarded by giant vipers. Sinbad observed merchants throwing raw carcasses into the pit, hoping diamonds would stick to the meat so eagles could carry them up. He gathered a pouch of gems, tied himself to a carcass, and was carried to safety by an eagle, eventually returning home wealthier than ever before.

The Moral

Resourcefulness and presence of mind can turn even a dire misfortune into a grand opportunity.

“I committed myself to the will of the Almighty and tied myself to the bird's massive leg.”

Fun Fact

The legend of the Roc was so widespread that even the famous explorer Marco Polo claimed to have heard reports of the giant bird living near Madagascar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Sinbad and the Roc?

The moral is that resourcefulness and courage are essential tools for survival. It teaches that even when all hope seems lost, a quick-thinking mind can turn a disaster into a lucky break.

How did Sinbad escape the island of the Roc?

Sinbad used his long turban to tie himself to the leg of the giant Roc bird while it slept. When the bird flew away to find food, it unintentionally carried him to another location.

What is a Roc in Arabian mythology?

A Roc is a legendary bird of prey of enormous size and strength, often said to be able to carry away elephants in its talons. It appears frequently in Middle Eastern folklore.

How did Sinbad get the diamonds from the valley?

He noticed merchants throwing meat into the valley so diamonds would stick to it. Sinbad collected a bag of gems and then tied himself to a piece of meat, allowing an eagle to lift him out.

Is Sinbad and the Roc a real story?

It is a fictional tale from 'The One Thousand and One Nights' (The Arabian Nights). While based on the real-world adventures of sailors in the Indian Ocean, the Roc and the valley are mythical.

Why was Sinbad left behind on the island?

During his second voyage, Sinbad wandered off to explore a beautiful island and fell into a deep sleep. His shipmates accidentally sailed away without noticing he was missing.