Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sindbad, Part A

My reading for this week is the Voyages of Sindbad. I am interested in this unit because of its similarities to Homer's Odyssey. I really like the idea of a hero that goes on adventures, and that is why I was interested in this unit. I am condensing the notes again because I benefited the most from this method.

• Sindbad is a cunning man
• The detail and scenery is noted
• Sindbad traded his life of luxury for adventure
• Each voyage leads to a new adventure
• I like the ideas of fantasy included in the voyages
• There are many different elements I can work with
• The voyages can be changed in my retelling
• There is a constant feeling of adventure
• Sindbad encounters something new all of the time
• Each voyage begins with a great sense of excitement
• Sindbad quickly meets a new enemy/disaster every voyage
• There is never a moment of peace during the voyage
• Sindbad always makes his way back to a former acquaintance
• Each voyage ends in a safe return home

I really like each of the voyages of Sindbad. I think that there is a lot of material for me to work with this week. Since I recently retold a portion of Homer's Odyssey that is similar to voyage three, I will avoid retelling the part about the escape from the giants. I really like the fact that Sindbad constantly gives his riches back to the poor and needy. I think it creates a more likable character, and I want to include this in my retelling. I also think it would be fun to create a voyage where Sindbad does not return peacefully. We will see what Part B of the reading entails before I make up my mind.

(A photo of Sindbad from the 1947 film. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Bibliography: The Voyages of Sindbad from The Arabian Nights' Entertainments by Andrew Lang. Source: UnTextbook