Sinbad

Sinbad was an adventurer and sailor who went on many voyages.

Background

On one of his voyages, the sailor found himself carried off by a giant bird, called a roc, to a deep valley with walls too tall and steep to climb. The floor of the valley was covered with diamonds, a point not lost on Sinbad. He despaired, however, because without a way out, he would die amongst the riches. On the next day, large chunks of meat began falling out of the sky, thrown by people who collected the precious stones. It seemed that eagles nested in the area and had to feed their young. When the meat landed at the bottom of the valley, the sharp points of the diamonds would stick to them. The eagles would carry the flesh--and diamonds--to their nests. The hunters would follow them and collect the gems.

Sinbad had heard of this before, but thought it was just a tall tale. Not so! Sinbad concealed himself under the largest piece of meat and held on tight. He was carried--along with plenty of diamonds--to safety, much to the amazement of the diamond hunter's above.