The Alchemist

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Video Transcript:

The Alchemist tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy from Spain who experiences what is know as “The Hero's Journey”. This is a series of steps that transform a person. It begins with a call to adventure, and ends with the characters return to the known.

The Call to Adventure: The first step is the Call to Adventure. In The Alchemist, this is where Santiago has his dream. In this dream Santiago is taken to a treasure. This dream is what propels him to start his journey.



Refusal of the Call: What could possibly come after the Call to Adventure but the Refusal of the Call? Santiago debates that he cannot begin to seek this treasure. His sheep need him to care for them, and so many others have failed trying to achieve their dream. Why should Santiago pursue his?


The Beginning of the Adventure/ Threshold: Santiago meets Melchizedek, who claims to be the King of Salem. Melchizedek explains that everyone has their own “Personal Legend” to fulfill. This is the first step on Santiago's journey.


Supernatural Aid / Mentor: Both Melchizedek and the Gypsy were Supernatural Aids. The Gypsy with her power to interpret dreams, and Melchizedek with the donation of Urim and Thummin. These are two stones that were given to Santiago to help him on his journey by helping him read omens.



INITIATION



The Road of Trials: Throughout his mission, Santiago dealt with many tests and trials. It began in Tangier. Santiago was robbed and left with nothing but his stones. He asks these stones if he should return home and give up on his journey, but ultimately decides that it is his decision, and elects to stay.

Santiago then has to deal with the trial of working. He works for a crystal merchant. He is told that it will take him over a year to raise the money he needed, which discourages him. However, he continues to push through this setback.

After becoming wealthy from his work at the Crystal Merchant's, Santiago debates returning home to go back to his shepherd lifestyle. He again decides that he must continue on his expedition, and boards a desert caravan headed to Al-Fayoum. This is a dangerous trip. There are strict rules on the caravan; it is not a leisurely ride. Eventually Santiago arrives at Al-Fayoum. Unfortunately a war has just broken out.

Despite all this, Santiago continues on, and continues to face more trials. In Al-Fayoum he meets the alchemist, who puts Santiago through a series of tests and missions. Hr also has the temptation of Fatima, a girl with whom he falls in love with.



The Experience with Unconditional Love / Temptress: Speaking of Fatima, the next initiation is the experience with unconditional love. Fatima serves as a temptress. Santiago debates letting go of the treasure to stay with Fatima, the love of his life. He is told that he must keep going, and if they are meant to be together, they will be.

The Ultimate Boon: The Ultimate Boon occurs when Santiago transforms into the wind. This is the final and most important test, for it proves that Santiago has what it takes to be an alchemist, and to complete his Personal Legend.

RETURN



Refusal of the Return: After finally reaching the Pyramids, Santiago realized that the treasure has been under the sycamore tree all along, as must return home, though he is reluctant to do so.

Rescue from Without: The Leader at the pyramids tells Santiago of his dream, which let Santiago know that the treasure was under the sycamore tree all along, leading him to the realization that he needs to go back, and returns home.

The Crossing or Return Threshold / Master of Two Worlds: Santiago returns home and collects the treasure. He realizes that he has completed his Personal Legend, and sets out to meet with Fatima. A voice in the wind tells Santiago that God wanted him to see the Pyramid's beauty, and he feels Fatima's kiss on his lips. He is now a new, wiser man.