Melchizek The Alchemist

“To realize one’s personal legend is a person’s only obligation and when you want something all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.” Many people know what their personal legend is and some have achieved it. But in the story the Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho, a shepherd boy named Santiago achieves his personal legend, his goal in life with some help from three major characters who teach him many important things. During his journey, Santiago learns more about his surroundings and things that also helped him grow. The first character who helped Santiago in his journey was the King of Salem known as Melchizedek. Melchizedek is the individual in the story who actually starts Santiago on the correct path to realize his personal legend. When Santiago meets the King of Salem at first the old man irritates the boy. Suddenly, Santiago realizes the King of Salem knows his past and turns a listening ear to the king. Then Melchizedek introduces the topic of one’s personal legend, something Santiago has never heard of. Melchizedek explains “It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their personal legend

The alchemist mainly functioned as a teacher to Santiago, though he often spoke in riddles and expected Santiago to learn more through experience than through verbal instructions. The alchemist’s wisdom connects Santiago to the soul of the world. This connection provides his supernatural abilities and allows him to guide Santiago on his own quest to understand the Soul of the world. Santiago through the alchemist’s teachings, he learned to read and communicate with the world around him. Ultimately, leading him to the treasure he seeks and to his own supernatural abilities. Eventually, Santiago undergoes transformation. Through the guiding of the alchemist Santiago learns one must teach and transform himself by listening to his own heart and