Throughout Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, the protagonist, Santiago, meets a plethora of different and unique individuals that contribute to his journey. Some of the characters he meets are meant to create foils to the boy’s persona, whereas some are crucial to his success. However, the first person that introduces Santiago to the prospect of his Personal Legend rises over all else. Melchizedek, the King of Salem, helps prepare Santiago for his life-changing journey by teaching him to understand the importance of his Personal Legend, the weight of dreams, and how to explore without forgetting his roots. The primary lesson Santiago learns from Melchizedek is the meaning of his Personal Legend and why it is crucial that he follow it, helping …show more content…
During the first encounter between the boy and Melchizedek, the elder recalls a memory of a man who almost gave up on his Personal Legend of finding emeralds. Melchizedek then goes on to mention his bitterness when people give up their dreams. He tells Santiago, “People learn, early in their lives, what is their reason for being, maybe that’s why they give up on it so early too. But that’s the way it is” (Page 26). Before, when he recalls the story of the emerald miner, the old king sets up a scenario in which we can imagine people giving up their Personal Legends in frustration. Melchizedek teaches the boy with, “People learn, early in their lives, what is their reason for being,” that most people find their Personal Legend during their youth. However, he also poses, “Maybe that’s why they give up on it so early too,” which reminds readers that few have the strength and hope of a child to persevere and continue on their journey, as everyone grows old and weary. The tone suddenly shifts to a certain personal melancholy, as he adds, “But that’s the way it is.” This then gives readers the want that we should try and continue where most others fail. It is a sad lesson, but it inspires Santiago and the reader to fear giving up their