The Alchemist

The Alchemist is an exciting adventure about a boy living for his dream, which is his “Personal Legend”. Many archetypes were revealed in the story such as the hero, the wise old man, supernatural aid, the journey, and rags to riches. These archetypes help create the story, The Alchemist. The hero is the main character Santiago because he has made the choice to sacrifice his life for his Personal Legend. He wanted to live the life of a shepherd but gave that up to look for his Personal Legend, which was to find treasure at the Pyramids in Egypt. He chased that one desire and forgot about everything else. When he asked other people about the treasure, he promised them that he’d give them a part of his wealth when he finds his treasure. “’Give me one-tenth of your sheep,’ said the old man, ‘and I’ll tell you how to find the hidden treasure’” (Coelho 20) says that Santiago was willing to give up his sheep for information to chase his dream. The wise old man was Melchizedek. He was the king of Salem. Melchizedek was the one who came to Santiago and helped him start his journey. Santiago trusted this man after Melchizedek read the book about Personal Legends and understood it. Also, he showed Santiago his golden chest plate, which caught Santiago’s eye. After Melchizedek gave him information, Santiago was forced to pay Melchizedek one-tenth of his sheep to start the journey. Many things that Melchizedek did showed that he was the wise old man because he knew many things about life. “‘For several reasons. But let’s say that the most important is that you have succeeded in discovering your Personal Legend,’” (Coelho 21) says that the most important thing is that Santiago understood his Personal Legend. Melchizedek found that out for him and that started Santiago’s great journey for his treasure. The alchemist is a supernatural aid because of his magical ways. He is 200 years old and is a powerful alchemist. He was a person who understood what a Personal Legend was. He