Hero's Journey In The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho tells about the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago. In The Alchemist, the main character Santiago has a recurring dream about going to the pyramids in Egypt in order to find treasure. With help from other characters like Melchizedek and the crystal merchant and the Alchemist, Santiago learns to listen to is heart and is able to pursue his Personal Legend . Coelho uses Santiago’s experiences as an example of a Hero’s Journey, for Santiago’s journey contains all the components that make up a Hero’s Journey such as a call to adventure, crossing the threshold, a mentor, challenges and temptations, an abyss, a transformation and atonement and a return. Santiago’s call of adventure began with him having …show more content…
Santiago is still feeling indecisive on whether to proceed in following what his dream has called for. Melchizedek, a stranger to Santiago approaches him and begins to speak to him. The conversation takes an unexpected turn for it helps influence Santiago’s decision about going to the Egyptian Pyramids. Melchizedek tells Santiago,”Because there is a force that wants you to realize your Personal Legend; it whets your appetite with a taste of success.”(Pg. 29). After their conversation, Santiago is now convinced that he must proceed in pursuing his Personal Legend. Santiago was quite doubtful but with the words from the king he knew he must follow through and follow the omens set forth for …show more content…
Doing so would demonstrate that he understood the Language of the World. Santiago and the Alchemist are captured by tribal men. In order to be set free, Santiago must show the men his powers or he would die. Santiago is not worried about death,in fact he only wants to turn into the wind to return to Fatima. Santiago seeks help from the desert as he tells it," So, when I look over your sands, I am also looking at her. I want to return to her, and I need your help so that I can turn myself into the wind"(Pg.144). As Santiago speaks to the desert he explains what love is as it asks for an explanation and with it Santiago has a better understanding of love and what it can do. Despite a task that seemed impossible to Santiago, he was able to give his best efforts in trying to transform himself because he was motivated by

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