Story Summary
Experience Sinbad's Seventh Voyage, where the legendary sailor faces pirates and discovers an elephant graveyard, ultimately earning his freedom and wealth.
After six treacherous journeys, Sinbad the Sailor intended to live his days in peace in Baghdad. However, the Caliph Harun al-Rashid summoned him for one final task: delivering a grand gift to the King of Serendib. Sinbad accepted, and the journey to Serendib was successful. But on his return, pirates attacked his ship, killing many and selling the survivors into slavery. Sinbad was purchased by a wealthy merchant who commanded him to hunt elephants for their ivory tusks. Each day, Sinbad sat in a tree, shooting arrows at the majestic beasts. One day, a massive elephant uprooted his tree and carried him deep into the jungle. Instead of trampling him, the elephant brought Sinbad to a vast graveyard filled with the tusks of fallen elephants. Realizing he no longer needed to kill for ivory, Sinbad showed the site to his merchant master. In gratitude for this discovery, the merchant granted Sinbad his freedom and showered him with riches. Sinbad returned to Baghdad, finally hanging up his sails forever.
The Moral
Mercy and ingenuity are more valuable than violence, and true freedom is earned through compassion and integrity.
“I realized then that mercy is a greater treasure than all the ivory in the world.”
Fun Fact
In some early manuscripts of the Arabian Nights, the seventh voyage has a completely different plot involving Sinbad encountering a race of bird-men.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Sinbad's Seventh Voyage?
The moral is that showing mercy and using one's wits can resolve conflicts better than force. By sparing the elephants, Sinbad discovered a sustainable fortune and earned his freedom.
Who sent Sinbad on his final voyage?
The Caliph Harun al-Rashid requested Sinbad to deliver a return gift to the King of Serendib, initiating the sailor's final adventure.
How did Sinbad become a slave on his seventh voyage?
On his return journey from Serendib, Sinbad's ship was attacked by pirates. He was captured and sold to a merchant who forced him to hunt elephants.
What is the significance of the elephant graveyard?
The elephant graveyard represents a hidden treasure found through peace. It allowed the merchant to gather ivory without killing, leading to Sinbad's release from servitude.
Was Sinbad's seventh voyage his last trip?
Yes, after returning from this voyage with the Caliph's blessing and great wealth, Sinbad retired permanently from the sea to live a quiet life.
Where does the seventh voyage primarily take place?
The adventure occurs mostly in Serendib, which is the historical Arabic name for the island of Sri Lanka, known for its ivory and gemstones.
