Santiago in The Alchemist experienced many major events throughout his journey, creating his personal development and transformation. Three of the most significant events in this journey include Santiago’s decision to become a shepherd when he meets the king of Salem, and when he discovers the treasure he sought. The first major event in Santiago’s journey is his decision to become a shepherd rather than becoming a priest. He knew the life of being a priest was not for him, for he wants to explore the world and its wonders. “...he had summoned up the courage to tell his father that he didn’t want to become a priest, that he wanted to travel” (11). This choice created the opportunity for Santiago to understand the fulfillment of his true potential and what the world has to offer. Although at times he doubts his commitment, he finds that his personal legend will keep driving him toward his treasure. Because Santiago makes this decision, he finds that pursuing his personal legend led him to follow his dreams and trust his journey’s process. If Santiago did not …show more content…
At first, Santiago figured it was just another encounter with an old stranger, but as Santiago grew more curious, he found the King Of Salem's true identity. Melchizedek, The King Of Salem's real name, is key to this story. He provides guidance for Santiago, helping him make the decision of pursuing his personal legend. “There is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It's your mission on earth” (22). The King of Salem teaches Santiago that he has to follow omens and what the universe desires him to pursue, that being his personal legend and what Santiago will encounter during his journey. Meeting the king of Salem assists Santiago develop the purpose of his journey and why it was so
Santiago chose to trust the people around him and have them help him take him to his Legend. Trust allowed him to lose all his money and stay with the fear that he will not be able to reach his treasure. The moment of captivation guided his friend to run and take his money with him. Santiago went to the lowest point of his journey where he had nothing and that was what brought his mind to trepidation. His mind drove him straight to failure and he couldn’t go anywhere without no money.
Santiago’s sheep taught him survival. He would sell the sheep’s wool so that he would have money. Santiago was a shepherd who loved to travel. His sheep survived all the traveling with Santiago, so that taught him about how to survive.
We know that if he wasn’t there, Santiago would not accomplish his personal legend. Many examples are the one to Santiago's heart. If the Alchemist wasn't there to tell him to listen to his heart Santiago probably could have given up. Also if the Old king wasn't there, he would never have the aspiration to pursue his personal legend.
While traveling through the Sahara Desert, Santiago is captured by a warring tribe and is threatened with death. In order to escape Santiago uses his wits and ingenuity by using a hawk to communicate with the Alchemist, who had been traveling with him. The Alchemist agrees to help Santiago and devises a plan to distract the guards for Santiago’s escape. Through this Santiago learns mental toughness, which is an important aspect in helping him finish his journey. This proves that it is a necessity to have adversity in one's life to promote growth and transformation in one's character.
However, through a series of events and encounters, he begins to understand that he has a greater purpose in life than the one he had imagined. The Personal Legend is a metaphor for this purpose, and it guides Santiago on his journey of self-discovery and fulfillment. As Santiago pursues his Personal Legend, he encounters numerous obstacles and challenges. These challenges test his commitment to his purpose and help him develop the skills and qualities he needs to succeed.
The King of Salem told Santiago about the omens, and this is what helped him to continue his journey. Through the lesson, some of the omens helped to determine the outcome of the story, such as the incident in the Crystal Merchant’s shop. Santiago’s journey helped him discover his personal legend, and helped him realize that his treasure was the journey, and his personal legend was at the start of his
By continuing he finds his true inner strength. In the story, the author shows the importance of perseverance, and how to face the many obstacles that people are presented in their lives to complete their goal. In Coelho's novel, Santiago faces many difficult challenges, but because of his courage and perseverance, he is able to face them head on. While in the town of Tarifa, Santiago meets
This quote explains to Santiago that even though the quest is not easy, it isn’t impossible. Melchizedek warns Santiago that some people fail to achieve their Personal Legend because of a “mysterious force” that distracts them. These mysterious
Santiago is assisted in completing his own particular legend by Melchizedek, the King of Salem. Santiago is guided by Melchizedek, who gives him beneficial information and input. His guidance is essential for Santiago, who is struggling to comprehend his soul's true goals and what his own unique legend actually incorporates. The Urim and Thummim, which Melchizedek also provides Santiago as a practical tool to help him on his journey and can be used to interpret the omens. Melchizedek presents Santiago the Urim and Thummim so that he can interpret the messages the universe is sending him, ultimately bringing him closer to his own particular legend.
“‘We are afraid of losing what we have, whether it’s our life or our possessions and property.’” solemnly states the camel driver (Coelho 79). During the seemingly endless journey through the desert, Santiago has no choice but to talk to those around him and listen to the stories they have to share. As the shepherd travels around the world for the purpose of reaching the destination, he meets many people with different pasts who can teach lessons of the world around him. “‘I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you’” romantically states Santiago to Fatima, the woman he fell in love at first sight with(Coelho 126).
Santiago's temptation is when he has the choice whether or not to stay with Fatima and abandon his Personal Legend. After leaving Fatima he has a difficult time coping with the separation, even if Fatima is a woman of the desert, who knows he will return. The Alchemist offers him a sole piece of advice, “love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend.” (120) Santiago’s heart is aching for the loving arms of Fatima. He realizes that he needs to focus on what he needs, pursuing his Personal Legend and not what he desires to be with Fatima.
During his journey, Santiago receives knowledge that he treasures and uses on his behalf when he hopes to achieve his personal legend. During his time with the Crystal merchant Santiago learned the five sacred obligations of all Muslims, and he learned that the Pyramids were not nearly as close as he thought when he arrived in Africa. During his time with the Alchemist he learned how to find life in the desert, and how to
This is illuminated when the Alchemist says, “‘There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure’” (141). This particular moment shows that even though Santiago has both the ability and the knowledge to achieve his dream, it is impossible to attain it if he fears even attempting to reach it. Consequently, this fear acts as his enemy and a barrier that stands in the way of the meaningful and happy life he is destined to accomplish. Furthermore, another one of his fears is the fear of losing what he believes he has already earned. ” He reminded himself that he had been a shepherd and that he could be a shepherd again.
Throughout the story, Santiago encountered many struggles which he always recovered from. The main reason he was able to continue without giving up was that the good omens he found on his way gave him enough hope to continue the journey. It also helped that he knew he had a personal legend to achieve. Some examples of his perseverance include when he was robbed by who he thought was his friend trying to help him find his way. Although he
Even Though there was three different people who helped santiago find his personal legend, he had to go find it to fill complete. The king helped him first by explaining what a personal legend is. He tells Santiago about good and bad omens and says that it is the shepherd boy's duty to pursue his Personal Legend. Melchizedek then gives Santiago two stones, Urim and Thummim, with which to