The Alchemest Case

The alchemist

When you were young you might remember your parents` telling you that everybody has a meaning in this life, and that if you try hard enough you could achieve great things, that you can achieve anything you set your mind on. For Santiago this really did not mean much to him for he is certain that he has everything he could ever want he believes that he has achieved everything that he can. But all this changes when he meets a king, a crystal merchant and an alchemist. When Santiago meets these very important people he learns that there is a much bigger meaning of life outside his sheep.

Long live the king. When Santiago is in the city of Tarifa he comes upon an old man who claims to be a king. This man, King Melchizedek, king of Salem teaches Santiago the very beginning of his journey. He teaches him of Personal Legends and the soul of the world. He teaches Santiago that "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." Pg. The king plays a very important role in Santiago's quest for his personal legend; he is the spark that ignites the flame in Santiago's heart. He gives Santiago that push to pursue what he has always wanted to do in his life. Melchizedek tells Santiago that he wants one tenth of his sheep as payment to reveal his treasure. He agrees and sets off to the pyramids.

On his journey to his treasure he travels to the city of Tangier, there he meets a crystal merchant. This merchant also plays a big role in Santiago's PL. the crystal merchant helps Santiago learn that change is necessary for success, and that procrastination is a horrible thing

Working for the merchant isn't pleasant he is irritable and grouchy, but for every piece of crystal that he sells Santiago gets a high commission rate. Santiago has plans to build a display cabinet so that the people at the bottom of the hill can see their crystal, but the merchant is not accustomed to change and is weary that some crystal might break. The merchant eventually lets the boy build the display and business increases dramatically. "Two months passed and the shelf brought many customers into the shop." From this he learned that one must not be afraid of change.

The second thing the merchant teaches the boy is not to put off something you intend to do. The merchant tells Santiago that he is a devout Muslim but he has never made the pilgrimage to Mecca, he was always afraid to trust his shop with anyone. Even though it is something he was wanted to do all his life he puts it off. Now he feels that if he is to go, that he will have nothing else to live for. Santiago realizes that he can no longer put off his personal legend and that he must not be afraid to tackle his journey head on. He sets off once again to seek out his treasure, whatever it may be.

The Philosophers