Brynlee's Thoughts on Mythology and Folklore

  Sindbad  by Andrew Lang He awoke with a jolt. Today was the day dad was going to let him help with the valley of diamonds. It is said to be the most beautiful valley of all the lands, especially this disappointingly boring island. The valley is said to have the most elegant diamonds. Diamonds that range in size from a pinky toe nail to a fist. Diamonds that are so shiny you could see yourself in the reflection. He could not wait. His father had even told him if the bird brought back diamonds from his throw, he got to keep it. Can you imagine having that kind of wealth? He ran down stairs to his waiting father. But, he was not as excited for him. His father sat him down and had a stern talk with him. "Son, I know that you are excited, but there are some safety precautions that we have to go over. There are snakes in the valley. They typically hide at night. That is why we go first thing in the morning. So we can put as much distance as possible between us and them by nightfal...

  Sindbad  by Andrew Lang Sindbad had promised himself that he would stay put. But, he began itching to be on the sea again. He set out once more. This time, however, it was a boat that he bought himself. He went and invited all of the merchants he liked. There were many nations represented on that boat. On the next good breeze day, they set out. The wind helped the sails but did not help the motion sickness. The water was very choppy but they made it. The came across this island. It appeared to be uninhibited. The merchants climbed ashore and found a giant egg. The egg was bigger than the merchants were tall. But, that did not stop them from hacking up the bird inside and using it for a meal. Sindbad announced that they should get moving because the parents were sure to show up soon. With screeching behind them, they ran. When their vessel was in sight, they jumped on and were setting sail. Until, they noticed two shadows. Both birds were holding huge rocks. The first launche...

Sindbad  by Andrew Lang  Sindbad had inherited a lot of money. He quickly blew through it on everything imaginable, whether it was a necessary purchase or not. He squandered it recklessly. Soon he realized that he was running out of money. So, he sold his house belongings and set sail. He was aboard a ship to live the merchants life, selling items along the coast. One night, the boat had pulled up on a shore. They were all ready to be on the island and off the boat. So, they lit a fire. The fire awoke the creature beneath them, for it was not an island but a sleeping whale. The whale responded to the heat negatively and dove straight to the bottom of the ocean. Many jumped overboard to avoid the painful death. But, Sindbad grabbed a piece of wood and held on. He gripped the wood all throughout the night and ended up on an island. After regaining his strength and full consciousness, he went in search of food. There he met an old man. The man said that he was there on a task fro...