Santiago's Journey: Dreams and Destiny
Santiago's Journey: Dreams and Destiny
Merchant's
Daughter
• Santiago • Andalusia/Village
• Santiago's hometown and the starting point of his journey-----> Andalusia
• He had studied Latin, Spanish, and theology
• his parents had wanted him to become a priest.
• When Santiago's father remarked that among them, only shepherds travel,
Santiago responded, "Then I will be a shepherd."
• The boy thought, "What makes life interesting is the chance of making dreams
come true."
• since childhood, he had a strong desire to explore the world, which meant more
to him than knowing God or understanding people's sins.
• Negative Point: The boy's disturbing contemplation of turning into a monster and
slaughtering the flock indicates a potential for betrayal and violence, raising
ethical concerns about his character.
• Positive Point: The boy's awareness that the flock has become overly dependent
on him suggests an opportunity for positive change, as he may encourage them
to regain independence and develop their instincts for a healthier dynamic.
Thief /Tangier 1. Setting: The boy finds himself in a bar in Tangier, Africa, observing unfamiliar customs
and practices.
2. Cultural Differences: He witnesses practices that seem alien to him, causing discomfort
due to differences in religion and customs.
3. Language Barrier: The boy faces a challenge as only Arabic is spoken in the country,
hindering his communication.
4. Quest for Treasure: His primary concern is reaching the Pyramids to find a treasure, a
goal inspired by an encounter with an old man.
5. Encounter with a Local: He meets a young man who speaks Spanish and offers to guide
him to the Pyramids for a price.
6. Trust Issues: The boy hesitates to disclose details about his treasure for fear of being
exploited.
7. Confrontation in the Bar: The bar owner becomes aggressive, prompting the boy's new
friend to intervene.
8. Loss and Betrayal: The boy's newfound companion disappears, leaving him alone and
distressed in the crowded market.
9. Emotional Turmoil: He experiences a range of emotions, feeling abandoned, cheated,
and hopeless.
10. Realization and Hope: Despite the hardships, he finds solace in the two precious
stones he possesses, offering a glimmer of possibility amidst despair.
The Thief: Santiago encounters a thief in Tangier who attempts to rob him. This event
teaches Santiago to be cautious and aware in unfamiliar
Candy Seller The boy learned that people can understand each other without speaking the same
language. He noticed this when helping a candy seller who spoke Arabic while he spoke
Spanish, yet they understood each other well. This made him think there might be a way
of communicating that doesn't need words. He realized that he could learn more about
the world by being patient and paying attention to everything around him. This idea
reminded him of lessons he learned while being a shepherd. The main idea here is that
we're all connected somehow, and understanding goes beyond just speaking the same
language.
The crystal merchant The Crystal Merchant: Santiago meets the Crystal Merchant in Tangier. He is a man who
has a shop but harbors unfulfilled dreams. Through their interactions, Santiago learns
about the fear of change and the importance of pursuing one's dreams
1. Humility and Work Ethic: The boy offers to clean the crystal in exchange for food,
showing humility and a willingness to work.
2. Cleansing the Mind: The crystal merchant allows the boy to clean, not for the task
itself, but to purify their thoughts from negativity.
3. Realistic Challenges: The merchant explains the vast distance to Egypt, highlighting the
immense challenge of reaching there.
4. Despair and Hopelessness: The boy becomes despondent, feeling as if his dreams are
unattainable due to the enormous distance and challenges.
5. Unexpected Help: Seeing the boy's distress, the merchant offers money to return
home, demonstrating unexpected kindness.
6. Decision and Ambition: The boy decides to work for the merchant, aiming to earn
money for sheep, showcasing his perseverance and ambition.
1. Work at the Crystal Shop: The boy continues working for the merchant, despite it not
being his ideal job, because of fair treatment and good earnings.
2. Desire for Change: He suggests building a display to attract customers, hoping to
return to his sheep faster by increasing sales.
3. Discussion on Dreams: The boy talks about pursuing dreams, referencing the king's
principle of favorability, but avoids discussing his personal treasure quest.
4. Merchant's Dreams: The merchant reveals his dream of visiting Mecca, stating that the
thought of it keeps him going and fearing disappointment if the dream is realized.
5. Different Attitudes towards Dreams: While the boy wants to fulfill his dreams, the
merchant prefers to keep dreaming without the actual realization, fearing
disappointment.
6. Permission Granted: Eventually, the merchant allows the boy to build the display,
recognizing the significance of dreams in different people's lives.
This shows that some people try really hard to make their dreams come true. But others
worry that if they actually achieve their dreams, it might not be as good as they hoped.
So, instead of making their dreams real, they feel happier just dreaming about them. It's
like having different feelings about making dreams come true
1. Business Endeavors: The protagonist, a young shepherd boy, found himself working in
a crystal shop. He calculated that in six months, he could double the size of his flock and
return to Spain to do business with the Arabs, thanks to his newfound ability to speak
their language.
2. Learning and Growth: The boy learned various valuable lessons, such as dealing in
crystal, understanding the language without words, and interpreting omens. He
suggested selling tea in crystal glasses to attract customers, showcasing his
understanding of human behavior and the power of beauty in sales.
3. Different Perspectives: The old merchant, while initially hesitant about changing his
established lifestyle, eventually agrees to the boy's idea of selling tea in crystal glasses,
acknowledging the potential for growth but also expressing fear and reluctance towards
change.
4. Wisdom and Language: The boy realizes that there are limitations to what he can learn
from his sheep and acknowledges that other experiences, such as learning Arabic, are
beyond the teachings of his flock.
5. "Maktub": The merchant uses the term "Maktub," meaning "It is written," signifying a
belief in destiny or fate.
6. Embracing Change: The passage ends with the merchant allowing the boy to sell tea in
crystal glasses, implying that sometimes, one cannot stop the natural flow of progress or
change.
It emphasizes that embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal
development.
1. Preparation: The boy wakes up early after spending nearly a year in Africa. He dresses
in traditional Arabian clothing and sits quietly, smoking a hookah while waiting for the
city to wake up.
2. Financial Preparation: He has a bundle of money sufficient to buy 120 sheep, a return
ticket, and an import license to bring African products back to his country.
3. Parting Ways: The boy informs the old crystal merchant that he's leaving that day. He
acknowledges the merchant's help and asks for his blessing.
4. Unexpected Revelation: The merchant surprises the boy by stating that neither he will
go to Mecca nor the boy will buy his sheep. When questioned, the merchant simply says
"Maktub," indicating that it is fate or destiny.
5. Blessing: Despite the unexpected revelation, the old merchant gives the boy his
blessing as he embarks on his journey.
It underlines the acceptance of fate and the unpredictable nature of destiny in the face
of human aspirations and plans.
1. Packing and Rediscovery: The boy packs his belongings to leave and finds his old
shepherd's pouch with Urim and Thummim stones, recalling the lessons from the old
king.
2. Reflecting on the Journey: Despite his year-long hard work, the boy realizes he's
drifting from his original dream of buying sheep. He recognizes the power of a universal
language — enthusiasm, love, and purpose.
3. Realizations and Doubts: He notices similarities between people he's met and the old
king, pondering the king's influence on their lives. The boy questions whether he's
content to return to shepherding or if he should pursue the Pyramids and his treasure.
4. Internal Conflict: Conflicted between returning to the familiar and venturing to the
unknown, he contemplates the uncertainty of his dreams, feeling drawn to the Pyramids
despite the risks.
5. Rekindling the Dream: Holding Urim and Thummim, he feels empowered by the old
king's strength. He considers seeking the crystal merchant's supplier to inquire about the
Pyramids, reigniting his pursuit of the treasure.
6. Pondering Personal Legend: Remembering the old king's words about realizing one's
Personal Legend, he feels a surge of happiness, believing that his journey is guided by
fate toward his treasure.
7. Final Resolution: The boy decides to visit the crystal merchant's supplier to learn more
about the Pyramids, rejuvenating his determination to pursue his treasure, feeling
empowered by the belief that the old king is guiding him toward his Personal Legend.
In summary, the passage follows the boy's inner conflict as he reevaluates his dreams,
feeling torn between the familiar comfort of shepherding and the allure of his Personal
Legend — the pursuit of treasure near the Pyramids.
The Englishman Santiago encounters the Englishman while traveling through the Sahara Desert. He is a
fellow traveler seeking knowledge about alchemy and the secrets of life. The Englishman
becomes a temporary companion to Santiago and provides insight into the pursuit of
knowledge.
1. Setting and Discontent: The Englishman finds himself in a place he never expected,
feeling frustrated with his current situation despite his academic background and years
of study.
2. Quest for Knowledge: His lifelong pursuit revolves around uncovering the universal
language and delving into different subjects, from Esperanto to religions and now
alchemy.
3. Struggle with Alchemy: Despite his efforts, the Englishman has been unable to connect
with established alchemists who guard their knowledge of the Philosopher's Stone. He's
spent much of his fortune and time seeking this elusive secret.
4. Encounter with a Mythical Figure: Learning about an ancient Arabian alchemist with
extraordinary abilities and rumored to possess the Philosopher's Stone, the Englishman
becomes excited and decides to pursue this figure at Al-Fayoum oasis.
5. Preparation for a Journey: Excited about the prospect of finding the alchemist, the
Englishman prepares to join a Sahara caravan heading towards Al-Fayoum. He's
determined to succeed in his quest and focus on reviewing his knowledge.
6. Interaction with a Young Arab: A young Arab joins him, also loaded with baggage,
initiating a conversation. The Englishman, focused on his preparations and review of
knowledge, welcomes the presence of someone who speaks Spanish, a language he's
more comfortable with.
In summary, the passage introduces the Englishman's dissatisfaction with his current
situation, his lifelong quest for knowledge in various fields, the allure of discovering the
secrets of alchemy, and his determination to find the legendary alchemist rumored to
possess the Philosopher's Stone.
1. Boy's Reading Struggle: The boy finds it difficult to concentrate on a book's opening
burial scene, despite trying for two years, feeling distracted even without interruptions.
3. Interaction with the Englishman: The boy tries to start a conversation, but the
Englishman seems unfriendly and unresponsive, focusing on reading his book.
4. Exchange about Urim and Thummim: Playing with his Urim and Thummim stones, the
boy is noticed by the Englishman, who recognizes them and discusses their significance
from the Bible.
5. Talk about Omens and Universal Language: The Englishman shares his quest for the
universal language and his search for an alchemist, relating everything in life to omens
and coincidence.
6. Fortunate News: The warehouse boss informs them of a caravan leaving for Al-Fayoum
in Egypt, where both the boy and the Englishman intend to go, signaling good luck for
their journeys.
8. The Englishman's Knowledge: The Englishman offers insights about alchemy and the
universal language, engaging in a conversation with the boy, who admits his lack of
knowledge about alchemy.
- The caravan leader asserts his authority and warns about the desert's dangers.
- A diverse group gathers for the journey with different beliefs, swearing by their gods.
- The boy, the Englishman, and the camel drivers travel alongside the caravan.
- The journey progresses through the desert; the Englishman is engrossed in reading,
while the boy observes and learns from the caravan.
- Conversations with the camel driver reveal life lessons and the universal language of
the desert.
- The caravan faces challenges, adapting its route to overcome obstacles.
- Mysterious encounters occur with hooded Bedouins and warnings of potential tribal
wars.
- The Englishman and the boy discuss books, the journey, and the language of omens.
- Safety measures increase, fires are avoided to escape attention, and guards are
stationed around the camp.
- The Englishman shares insights about the Soul of the World and the interconnectedness
of all things.
- The boy contemplates the language of the desert and the caravan's communication
with it.
- The Englishman and the boy discuss omens, the caravan's language, and the desert's
soul under the moonlight.
- The books on alchemy fascinated the boy but were difficult to understand.
- The Emerald Tablet contained a few essential lines about alchemy's essence.
- The Englishman explained the importance of studying numerous books to comprehend
those lines.
- Alchemists aimed to purify metals, believing it would reveal the Soul of the World.
- The Philosopher's Stone was sought after for its ability to transform metals into gold
and provide immortality.
- The Englishman explained the Stone's fascinating properties.
- The boy found similarities between alchemy and daily life, recalling the crystal
merchant's teachings.
- Stories of successful alchemists intrigued the boy, but practical instructions were cryptic
and confusing.
- The Englishman stressed the complexity of alchemy to maintain its secrets and value.
- The boy questioned the archaic language and illustrations in the old alchemical texts.
- The Englishman focused more on the caravan's operation and the increasing talk of war.
The story talks about learning alchemy, a mysterious subject about turning metals into
gold. It shows a boy and an Englishman searching for the Philosopher's Stone. They study
ancient texts to understand the secrets of alchemy, learning about the importance of
persistence and the connection between science and spirituality.
The story focuses on seeking knowledge and understanding. It highlights the idea that
the most important lessons in life are simple and can be found in basic things. It shows
how everyone has their own unique way of learning and searching for their dreams,
respecting others' journeys in finding themselves.
The Caravan Leader: A pragmatic and experienced leader of the caravan that Santiago joins in his desert
travels. The leader embodies practical wisdom and offers guidance to Santiago during
their journey across the desert.
The Camel Driver During Santiago's journey across the Sahara, he befriends a camel driver who shares
wisdom about the desert and the language it speaks, offering Santiago guidance and
companionship during their travels.
- The caravan travels continuously day and night, facing the looming threat of tribal war.
- Exhausted animals and tense men decrease communication due to fear during the
silent nights.
- The camel driver remains calm, focusing only on the present moment and accepting
fate if confronted with war.
- The boy notices stars on the desert horizon and realizes it's the oasis, but they continue
resting before moving forward.
The theme revolves around embracing the present moment and finding joy in life's
challenges. Amidst the dangers of a desert journey threatened by war, the camel driver
advises the boy to focus on the present, appreciating life's simple joys regardless of
circumstances. This theme highlights the importance of mindfulness, resilience, and
finding happiness by living in the moment, even amid adversity and uncertainty.
Journey 1. The boy wakes up to a breathtaking sight: a vast row of date palms spread across the
desert.
2. The Englishman is excited, but the boy feels content and peaceful, enjoying the
serenity of the moment.
3. Despite the long journey ahead to reach the Pyramids, the boy cherishes the present
moment and the oasis's significance.
4. He reflects on how perceptions can change - yesterday's camel's groan was a warning,
but today, the sight of date palms symbolizes safety and hope amid the threat of war.
5. The boy contemplates the diverse languages spoken by the world, both literal and
metaphorical, hinting at the varied meanings and interpretations life offers.
The theme revolves around finding comfort and hope in the present moment during a
challenging journey. It highlights the transformative power of perception and the ability
to see potential in what was once seen as a threat. Additionally, it touches upon
embracing life's diverse languages and understanding the transient nature of
experiences.
Oasis The Oasis: Located in the Sahara, the Oasis is a pivotal point in Santiago's journey. He
meets the love of his life, Fatima, and gains crucial insights about the Soul of the World
and the Language of the World.
1. The boy arrives at a vast oasis, far larger than he imagined, with numerous wells and
date trees.
2. He meets an Englishman eager to meet the alchemist and witnesses the bustling life at
the oasis.
3. The oasis is considered a neutral ground during conflicts due to the majority being
women and children.
4. The caravan, including the boy and the Englishman, must remain at the oasis until the
tribal conflict ends.
5. They search for the alchemist without success until an old man hints at the alchemist's
power and seclusion.
6. The boy encounters a woman named Fatima at the well and experiences a profound
connection and realization of love.
7. The Englishman seeks guidance from the alchemist but receives vague advice, leading
him to contemplate starting anew.
8. The boy confesses his love for Fatima, expressing his willingness to wait for her despite
his pursuit of treasure.
9. Fatima acknowledges the boy's feelings but points out the transient nature of the
ongoing war.
10. The boy reflects on his past as a shepherd, realizing the significance of his love for
Fatima over his pursuit of treasure.
1. The boy meets Fatima at the oasis and they develop a close friendship through daily
meetings.
2. The caravan leader announces an indefinite delay due to an ongoing war, preventing
them from continuing their journey.
3. Fatima expresses her understanding of the boy's dreams and encourages him to
pursue his Personal Legend despite the circumstances.
4. The boy contemplates love and ownership, learning from Fatima's perspective on the
desert's nature and its effect on relationships.
5. He encounters a vision of an impending army attack on the oasis, and seeks advice
from the camel driver about the revelation.
6. The camel driver explains the significance of observing omens and the interpretation
of the future in the desert's culture.
7. Recognizing the importance of his vision, the boy decides to inform the tribal
chieftains about the approaching danger, despite potential skepticism.
- The Englishman was working on a furnace, eager to start a task he had postponed due
to fear of failure, feeling relieved to begin the process.
- The boy, contemplating the concept of love, sought answers from the silence of the
desert while staying within sight of the oasis's date palms.
- Observing hawks flying aimlessly in the sky, the boy tried to interpret their flight as a
lesson in understanding love beyond possession.
- Feeling a mix of drowsiness and enlightenment, he believed he was learning the
Language of the World and found gratitude in being in love.
- Suddenly, a vision of an army invading the oasis startled him, and he realized the
significance of this omen despite wanting to dismiss it as a mirage.
- Remembering the old king's advice to heed omens, the boy sensed the impending
reality of the vision and returned to the oasis, realizing the danger lay there instead of
the desert.
Alchemist The Alchemist: A crucial character whom Santiago meets during his travels in the Sahara
Desert. The Alchemist serves as a mentor and guides Santiago in understanding the
principles of the universe and pursuing his dreams.
1. An alchemist observes caravans arriving at an oasis, filled with excitement and activity.
2. He reflects on the transient nature of time and the constant flow of travelers in the
desert.
3. The alchemist finds joy in witnessing the happiness of travelers seeing the green date
palms after weeks of desert sands.
4. He ponders on the purpose of the desert, thinking it might be for humanity to
appreciate certain aspects like the date trees.
5. The alchemist awaits a man from the caravan whom he's meant to teach his secrets
based on omens.
6. He believes that these teachings can't easily be conveyed through pictures or words,
as they stem from a pure form of life.
7. The alchemist reflects on how people get captivated by visual representations and
forget the essence of the world's language.
- The boy left the chieftains' tent, pondering the risks he took by interpreting omens from
the Soul of the World.
- Feeling at peace with his life choices, he suddenly encountered a powerful sandstorm
and a massive white horse with a mysterious horseman in black.
- The horseman, armed with a sword, confronted the boy for interpreting the flight of the
hawks, accusing him of meddling with Allah's will.
- Despite the imminent threat, the boy fearlessly accepted his fate, ready to die for his
Personal Legend and to save lives at the oasis.
- The horseman tested the boy's courage and understanding of the Language of the
World, eventually acknowledging the boy's intentions and relenting.
- The stranger warned the boy about the desert's challenges and instructed him to find
him if he survived the warriors' arrival.
- As the horseman rode away, the boy learned that he had met the alchemist, marking a
significant encounter on his journey.
- The boy arrived at a mysterious tent in the desert, waiting for the alchemist who
appeared after nightfall.
- The alchemist and the boy shared a meal, cooking the same hawks the boy had seen
earlier.
- The alchemist revealed he knew about the boy's quest and offered guidance toward the
boy's treasure.
- The boy mentioned his achievements - a camel, money, and love - but the alchemist
redirected his focus to the true treasure at the Pyramids.
- They had a conversation about wine, and the alchemist imparted wisdom regarding the
importance of words.
- The alchemist advised the boy to prepare like a warrior for the upcoming journey and
instructed him to sell the camel and acquire a horse for the journey towards the
Pyramids.
The alchemist is called an alchemist because that's what he is and what he practices. He explained to the boy
that the term "alchemist" was attributed to him because he had learned the science of alchemy from his
ancestors. He mentioned that the knowledge of alchemy had been passed down through generations in his
family, tracing back to the creation of the world.
When asked about what went wrong when other alchemists tried to make gold and couldn't do so, the alchemist
clarified that those individuals were focused solely on seeking gold as the treasure of their Personal Legend. He
emphasized that they were more concerned with the material aspect rather than living out their Personal Legend.
The alchemist implied that being an alchemist meant more than just attempting to transmute metals; it
encompassed a deeper understanding of the world and the pursuit of one's true destiny or Personal Legend.
- While crossing the desert with the alchemist, the boy listened to his heart, finding it hard to understand as it
wasn't as expressive as before.
- He questioned why he should listen to his heart as it seemed agitated, emotional, and passionate about a
woman from the desert.
- The alchemist explained the importance of listening to the heart because it always speaks the truth, and trying
to ignore it would be futile.
- As they continued their journey, the boy's heart fluctuated between fear, happiness, and doubts about pursuing
his dreams.
- Despite the heart's uncertainties, the alchemist advised the boy to continue listening to it, reassuring him that
understanding and acknowledging the heart's desires were crucial.
- The boy learned to accept his heart's different emotions and realized that the fear of suffering while chasing
dreams was more daunting than the actual suffering.
- His heart then revealed profound insights about happiness, treasures awaiting everyone, and the reluctance of
hearts to guide people due to fear and the threatening nature of the world.
- Understanding his heart better, the boy made a commitment to always heed its guidance and never ignore its
messages.
- Sharing these insights with the alchemist, the boy affirmed his dedication to follow his heart and continue
towards the Pyramids, guided by omens and the wisdom of his heart.
- The alchemist revealed a crucial lesson: before a dream is fulfilled, the Soul of the World tests the knowledge
and lessons learned along the journey. Many give up at this challenging phase, just when victory is close, which
is compared to dying of thirst near palm trees, signifying the importance of perseverance during difficult times.
- The boy and the alchemist encountered armed tribesmen in the desert who questioned their presence.
- The alchemist casually claimed to be hunting with his falcon, but the tribesmen found odd items in his bag and
mocked him when he described the contents as the Philosopher's Stone and Elixir of Life.
- The alchemist explained to the boy that people often don't believe in great treasures when told about them,
revealing a simple life lesson.
- As they journeyed, the boy's heart became more silent and content, focusing only on the present moment in the
desert, finding solace in the Soul of the World.
- The boy's heart communicated with him, sharing stories of dangers averted in the past, emphasizing the heart's
protective role.
- The boy learned about the selective assistance of hearts, primarily aiding those pursuing their Personal
Legends but also helping children, drunkards, and the elderly.
- They passed by a tribe's encampment without incident, but the alchemist warned about the dangers of the
desert during war and the consequences of all actions.
- Approached by horsemen warning them about the ongoing tribal conflict, the alchemist handled the situation
with a powerful gaze, allowing them to continue.
- The alchemist shared that they were nearing the Pyramids, hinting that the boy's knowledge of alchemy is
about penetrating the Soul of the World and discovering one's personal treasure.
- The boy inquired about transforming lead into gold, but the alchemist emphasized the symbolic evolution of
gold and how some alchemists focused on material gain while others sought higher wisdom.
- He explained the concept of the Philosopher's Stone and how interfering with the Personal Legend of another
thing hindered one's discovery of their own.
- The alchemist used a shell to illustrate that the desert was once a sea and how everything has its own Personal
Legend that must be fulfilled.
- They continued their journey towards the Pyramids, riding their horses.
- The boy and the alchemist were mistaken for spies and taken to a military camp.
- They were accused of being seen at an enemy camp and talking with their troops.
- The alchemist claimed to be a traveler who understood nature's forces and offered to demonstrate his
extraordinary powers.
- The alchemist presented gold coins to the chief as a gesture of goodwill and claimed the boy was an alchemist
capable of transforming into the wind.
- The chief granted them three days to demonstrate these powers or face dire consequences.
- The boy was terrified and felt helpless as he didn't know how to transform into the wind.
- The alchemist tried to calm the boy, advising him not to give in to fear and to trust that living out his Personal
Legend would provide the necessary knowledge.
- He stressed that the fear of failure is what makes dreams impossible to achieve and urged the boy to learn
quickly, as his life depended on it.
- The alchemist assured the boy that even risking death to achieve one's dreams is better than living without
pursuing them.
- He indicated that the fear of death often makes people more aware of their lives and the importance of their
dreams.
Throughout the narrative, the boy shares profound insights about love:
1. Love is transformative: He explains that love isn't static like the desert, nor is it roaming the world like the wind.
Instead, it's a force that transforms and improves the Soul of the World. Love encourages personal and universal
improvement.
2. Love creates connections: The boy demonstrates that love connects everything in the universe. It creates a
synergy between different elements, much like how the desert nourishes the game, the game feeds the falcon,
the falcon sustains humanity, and humanity gives back to the desert.
3. Love is about growth and evolution: The boy highlights that love encourages evolution and growth. It pushes
things to become better versions of themselves. This idea is linked to the concept of Personal Legends and the
continuous striving for improvement.
4. Love leads to a greater understanding: The boy suggests that love enables a deeper understanding of oneself,
the world, and the interconnectedness of everything. It allows one to see the world from different perspectives
and appreciate the unity among diverse elements.
5. Love is a force of creation and harmony: The boy's conversation with the desert, sun, and wind emphasizes
that love promotes harmony and balance in the world. It's a force that harmonizes various elements and nurtures
creation, leading to a symphony of peace.
6. Love transcends distance and differences: Love goes beyond physical proximity or differences. It's a universal
force that connects distant entities, like the wind, sun, and desert. The boy attempts to convey that the wind
should know about love because it travels across boundaries, yet the wind remains unaware of love's essence.
Ultimately, the boy's reflections on love underscore its profound nature—a force that unites, transforms, nurtures,
and holds the power to impact the entire universe.
- They rode for a whole day until they reached a Coptic monastery.
- The alchemist told the escorts to go back as they were very close to the Pyramids.
- The alchemist requested to use the monastery's kitchen and started a fire.
- He melted lead in a pan and added a sliver from a strange yellow egg into it.
- The mixture turned red, like blood, and when it cooled, it became gold.
- The alchemist talked with the monk about the ongoing tribal wars.
- They returned to the gates of the monastery where the alchemist divided the gold into four parts.
- He gave one part to the monk for his generosity, one to the boy to make up for what he lost to the general, and
kept one for himself.
- The fourth part was for the boy if he ever needed it during his journey for his treasure.
- The alchemist believed in an old saying and gave the boy the gold because he had lost his savings twice
before.
- The alchemist narrates a story to the boy about dreams in ancient Rome during Emperor Tiberius' time.
- The story involves a good man with two sons: one a poet and the other in the military, who dreams about the
future fame of one of his sons' words.
- The father died saving a child and went to heaven where he met an angel granting him any wish.
- He wished to see his son's immortal poems in the distant future.
- The angel transports the man into the future, where they hear people speaking a strange language, repeating
words that make the man happy thinking they're his poet son's verses.
- However, the angel reveals that the people were reciting the words of his military son, who became a centurion
and encountered the Son of God when seeking help for his sick servant.
- The centurion demonstrated deep faith and humility, saying, "My Lord, I am not worthy that you should come
under my roof. But only speak a word and my servant will be healed."
- The alchemist concludes that every person plays a significant role in the world's history, often without realizing
it.
- The boy, surprised by the depth of the conversation, bids farewell to the alchemist.
In the end, he discovers that the real treasure was the journey itself,
the lessons learned, the people he encountered, and the wisdom he
gained along the way.
- The boy reaches the small abandoned church near the Pyramids at nightfall, recalling
his previous peaceful night there with his flock and the recurring dream he had.
- Sitting under the sky, he drinks wine, reflecting on his journey, the people he met, and
the significance of recurrent dreams that led him to his current path.
- He falls asleep and starts digging at the base of the sycamore tree, feeling a connection
to the signs and omens guiding him.
- In frustration, he shouts to the sky, questioning the mysterious forces that led him
through his journey and the hardships he faced.
- Hearing a voice in the wind, he realizes that if he had been told about the treasure
before, he might never have seen the Pyramids.
- Continuing to dig, he uncovers a chest filled with Spanish gold coins, precious stones,
masks, and jewels—a forgotten conquest's spoils.
- He places Urim and Thummim, the stones that helped guide him earlier, into the chest
as part of his treasure, remembering the old king who gave them to him.
- Reflecting on the generosity of life to those who pursue their Personal Legend, he
recalls his promise to give a portion of his treasure to the Gypsy woman.
- Feeling the wind again, he senses the scent and touch of a distant kiss, knowing it
comes from Fatima, the woman he loves.
- With a smile, he acknowledges her presence and determination to reunite with her,
affirming, "I'm coming, Fatima.
Chieftains - The boy, wanting to share omens he saw in the desert, approached the chieftains' huge
white tent in the oasis.
- After waiting for hours, he was finally granted entrance and found a lavish tent filled
with opulence and chieftains seated in a semicircle.
- The boy explained what he had seen, warning about an impending threat despite the
oasis traditionally being a neutral ground.
- The chieftains debated and discussed the validity of the boy's warning in a language he
couldn't understand, causing him anxiety and regret for speaking up.
- The elder, who hadn't spoken before, smiled subtly, and the atmosphere changed,
easing the boy's worry.
- Eventually, the elder spoke, mentioning a man named Joseph from history, emphasizing
the importance of tradition and interpreting messages from the desert.
- The chieftains decided to break the agreement of non-violence in the oasis and prepare
for battle the next day, promising the boy gold for every ten enemy casualties, but also
issuing a warning that an unused weapon could be used against him if the situation
arose.
War - The next morning, 2000 armed men gathered at Al-Fayoum, with 500 tribesmen
approaching from the north.
- Upon reaching the center of the oasis, the tribesmen attacked an empty tent, revealing
their hidden weapons and engaging in a conflict.
- The oasis defenders swiftly surrounded the invaders, resulting in the death of all but
one tribesman, the commander.
- The tribes spared commander was later brought before the chieftains, who inquired
about the violation of the Tradition.
- The commander explained his men's desperation due to hunger and exhaustion from
prolonged battles, leading them to attempt to claim the oasis for respite.
- Despite feeling sympathy, the chieftain emphasized the sacredness of the Tradition,
condemning the commander to death without honor by hanging.
- The chieftain honored the boy for his earlier insights and rewarded him with fifty pieces
of gold, reiterating the tale of Joseph of Egypt and offering the boy the role of counselor
for the oasis.