The Alchemist Video Summary

Visit us at www.gradesaver.com/the-alchemist-coelho/study-guide/video to read the full video transcript and our study guide for this novel, which includes a full list of characters, themes, and much more.
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, is a story about a young shepherd named Santiago who is able to find a treasure beyond his wildest dreams and feelings of self-doubt. In this fable, the author uses magical realism to portray Santiago’s physical and spiritual journey, as he learns to listen to his heart and realizes that his aspirations belong not only to him but to the universe as well.
Living in Andalusia, Spain, Santiago is a humble shepherd who wants only to roam with his sheep, enjoy wine, and read a good book. Fate intervenes, however, in the form of a recurring dream about a great treasure hidden at the base of the Egyptian Pyramids.
Santiago meets Melchizedek, a strange wise man and king from a far-off land. Melchizedek appears to those who are seeking their Personal Legend, or deepest life-long goal. This ambition comes from the Soul of the World which conspires to help everyone reach their deepest desire. Unfortunately, fear and routine often get in the way.
Soon, Santiago decides to sell his flock and seek his treasure. Melchizedek gives Santiago two stones, a black stone called Urim, meaning "yes," and a white stone called Thummim, meaning "no.” Santiago is to consult these if he cannot understand the omens. He sets sail for Africa to seek his treasure and “Personal Legend.”
Santiago’s first day in Tangiers, Morocco, he is robbed and left completely alone. Unable to speak a single word of Arabic, Santiago contemplates giving up and turning around. But he remembers the words of the wise man and carries on. Eventually, he finds work at a crystal shop for one year, where he
earns enough money to buy a new flock of sheep and return home. Instead, he joins a caravan crossing the desert to Egypt, thus moving closer to his dream.
On the caravan, Santiago meets an Englishman who has come all the way to Africa to seek a renowned alchemist. His new travel companion carries two stones just like Santiago’s and believes it is not accidental that the two of them have met. Santiago finds the Englishman's ideas to be similar to Melchizedek's. They both speak of a Soul of the World to which we are all connected. The Englishman also reveals that the goal of alchemy is the “Master Work,” which includes a liquid called the Elixir of Life and a solid called the Philosopher’s Stone.
When they finally arrive at the Al-Fayoum oasis-the home of the titular Alchemist-Santiago meets a beautiful girl named Fatima with whom he immediately falls in love. He soon discovers that love, like the Personal Legend, comes directly from the Soul of the World.
While walking in the desert, Santiago has a vision of an upcoming battle. He rushes back to warn the elders at the oasis. The next day, 500 armed tribesmen enter the oasis as Santiago has predicted. The men, duly warned, kill all of the intruders. The chieftain of the oasis awards Santiago 50 pieces of gold and offers him a position as a counselor.
Santiago considers staying at the oasis with his new-found love Fatima, instead of seeking the Pyramids. Fatima, however, tells Santiago that she understands his need to realize his goal. The women of the desert, she explains, are proud of their men's freedom. This confuses Santiago, who is unable to separate love and possession.
The Alchemist finds Santiago and tells him that he will lead him to his treasure. While on the move, the Alchemist teaches Santiago that hearts can be treacherous, but the best way to keep them from fooling you is to listen to them intently; one must listen to the Soul of the world to find one’s treasure. Everything on earth, even minerals, has a Personal Legend. This is why alchemists can change any metal into gold: they are simply helping the metal achieve its Personal Legend.
When the two travelers are taken prisoner by a warring tribe, the Alchemist-in an effort to save their lives--claims that Santiago is a magician who can turn himself into wind. Santiago has no idea what he is doing, but eventually starts to pray with acknowledgement that his heart and the Soul of the World are one. Immediately, the wind whips up, and Santiago disappears and reappears on the other side of the camp. The tribal chiefs are so impressed that they let the travelers go.
The next day, the men arrive at a monastery. The Alchemist uses his piece of the Philosopher's Stone to turn lead into a quantity of gold and gives some to Santiago and some to a monk. Santiago continues on to the Pyramids alone. There he is overwhelmed with joy realizing he can turn back now-that the real treasure is not gold or jewels, but the wisdom he has gained from his journey and his love for Fatima.
His heart tells him to dig in a spot where he sees a scarab beetle.

[@5683brit]

The piece of wisdom that stuck out for me at this point of my life was the alchemists answer to the fear of suffering while pursuing your legend - “the fear of suffering is far worse than the suffering itself”… for so long I’d been afraid to start the journey of going after what I wanted because of the fear of losing my job or possessions I’d worked so hard to obtain… I felt like I’d rather just remain living a mediocre life like the merchant… but I don’t want too. No we don’t know what’s ahead and the stumbling blocks we might hit. It’s different for us all but we always end up coming out on top.

[@e-ben616]

The book is filled with many such lines. But this has stuck with me for many years.

[@bmj927]

I've just literally finished the book. Maktub that I came to this comment.

[@youresoold1216]

It is a curse when you don’t recognize the omens

[@pujithkumarg8857]

amazing line

[@psyched3lic347]

Finished the whole thing in one day. Loved it. All the simple things in life.

[@janreyigros4973]

WOW .speed reader

[@alantisgreen7011]

It's 117 pages you can finish in 2 hours

[@shibhily6340]

Legend

[@harry9238]

Me too. I completed it today. In around 6-7 hours.

[@Jenniesthetic-k4w]

I just spent 5 hours and i was done with the book..... rest of the day i spent in thinking about the book's lesson.

[@michaeldubick9922]

Why do we have to listen to our hearts?" the boy asked. "Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you will find your treasure.

[@TheSevda]

This is actually from the Bible, cool

[@ct8400]

@@TheSevdait’s backwards in the Bible.

[@victor_dakota7986]

Literally, I just finished reading this book around 6am on September 5, 2020, and I WANTED MORE!!! This book just spoke to my heart, mind and soul........and I even got teary-eyed (happy tears) for certain words of wisdom that resonated with me so deeply. Absolutely FANTASTIC BOOK, and a GREAT VIDEO SUMMARY. I LOVE IT!!!!

[@jakegregory6477]

You should read Siddartha by hermann Hesse it’s very similar

[@levana4418]

aaaaa u read it on my birthday lmao

[@HotChocolate2070]

ikr ! i loved the part where Santiago "becomes the wind"

[@joegogan7709]

I found it goofy

[@melanie9035]

Do you think this video explained the book well?

[@mimiyang7632]

The last part really touched me. He was beaten but he never gave up. Like in real life, we can be in pain, hurt , rejected and unloved, we should not give up for our dreams. We fight!!❤❤❤

[@EdwardKeyte-online]

This book was given to me as a gift when I was in Hong Kong, where I ended up living for five years. Initially, I thought I would only stay for a few months, just before the handover from England back to China in 1997. I was a young Brit with a dream of finding my way, enthusiastic and excited to follow my dreams. Eventually, I moved to Japan, where I have now lived for over 23 years. Ten years ago, I began to feel that the treasure I had been seeking was back in my home country of England. At that time, I was a struggling English teacher in Japan, married to a Japanese woman, and felt my dream of returning was impossible. Despite having been given "The Alchemist" many years before, I hadn't read it yet. I picked it up a few times, urged by my intuition, but procrastinated due to my dyslexia. Now, at 50, I finally read the book and found my answers. I run my own online business and quit my English teaching job over a year ago. I am now quite stable, more than enough to support my return to the UK. After a divorce in 2017, I am in a perfect situation to return since I work 100% online. However, being 50 and more conservative, I find it harder. What holds me back isn't the practicalities, as I have the freedom and am now single. It's something inside me. My next big move is to go back to the very roots of where I belong. I've had an amazing life so far, but I need to muster the courage to make the big move back to the UK. My heart tells me to do it, but my brain reminds me that I don't know the UK like I used to, having spent most of my adult life in Asia. It's comfortable in Japan, but the UK is my home and my treasure. The message I want to share is to love your roots and be grateful. If it means traveling the world to realise how special your homeland is, then do it. Had I stayed in the UK all this time and never gone to Hong Kong, I wouldn't have found my treasure and wouldn't be in the financial situation I am in today. The journey gave me drive and perspective. "The Alchemist" is giving me all the answers.

[@Irina_Aniri_Art]

beautiful story of the life

[@zemb2355]

Bro U Just a restless Soul

[@Philjoe]

This book is timeless. Seeking one's legend these days, people think it's about riches and fame. But there is something deeper in life. The soul of the world connects us all to the dream of the world. Every time I listen to the story, I learn something new.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@abcMSVdef6399]

It's just looks like a simple story but the journey and the conversation gives more than an advice.

[@qunootqg]

I just finished reading the book, and it’s definitely worth reading! The book is full of wisdom and emotion, and it even changed my perspective of the world!! Great Video Summary, btw! I really enjoyed watching it :D Started reading book at the age 13; 7th February 2021 Finished reading it: 9th February 2021

[@kingclampz6081]

This is my favorite book of all time, I just finished it and glad I did. Definitely gave me better perspective about my own life and the wisdom, experience, and people you will meet and potentially will never see again ever while you pursue into your journeys in life. That’s just for starters 2023

[@AyoShy]

SUCH A GREAT BOOK!!! 10/10 AMAZING. Literally brought tears to my eyes, I didn't wan't the book to end. 😢🔥

[@andrewm.7145]

No disrespect to this summary of the book but you have to read the story to actually feel it’s impact

[@estherstone4860]

Melchizedek is a mysterious character in the Bible that translates to ‘king of righteousness’ in Hebrew. I wish I had known that when I read this book years ago. Melchizedek met Abraham while he was traveling and Abraham gave him a tenth of all his animals. That is the biblical beginnings of the custom of tithing. He was both king and priest and was connected to Jerusalem as well. Fascinating. I may have to read this book again.

[@melaniefuentes7429]

Wowowowowowowow

[@tommystanley5125]

Read this book in one sitting over a 5hr period. incredible book

[@augustasp333]

this man deserves the name "gradesaver" , you saved me and earned my sub

[@Jenniesthetic-k4w]

For all those who are coming here without reading the whole book please read first. It's really something we must know. And most importantly one should know about the direction in which he or she should run the life. And you will find beautiful learnings throughout the book. It's worth reading then come and watch the summary!

[@Obito.Uchiha07]

Hey Can you please suggest me some more awesome books

[@md.mirkashem6596]

My thought exactly. 🍀

[@hendrawanprasetya8553]

"What you seek is seeking you" ~ Rumi

[@yesubabub7918]

Wow, what a line

[@laurelleafr6091]

I just finished reading it. Many words of wisdom that i knew , i just didn't know they were from this book. :)) I read his book Maktub when I was a teenager or in middle school in the 90s. It was very short and extremely powerful . I remember that it had all these wisdom teachings like fables and I went back and reread the book probably 4 times. When I got it in my hands it was like glue. i couldn't put it down because all those stories were fascinating. Now I can't find it. I remember it was 54 pages only so i would read it in a a couple of hours. I want to read it ago now after 20+ years.

[@SabrinaXe]

I remember reading it so long ago, I loved itttt

[@miss8306]

El Búho!

[@drawingstuff_ig]

Thank you very much.Im supposed to retell this book tomorrow,but didnt have time to read it fully.This really helped,and the animation is the best.

[@needlessyew]

if you still havent read the book, it is highly recommended that you find the time to do so. Guaranteed you wont regret it.

[@janreyigros4973]

Just finished reading. I knew it! That was his personal legend.

[@gracer5923]

Thank you. I've been.. And still am on the journey... And it has been the best adventure...

[@ElFamosoArt]

Just finished reading this book right now and i was in awe 😮

[@Fateyyma]

This book hits differently when your name is Fatima..😂❤

[@Luxurylivingdubai-w1h]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mdadnan1630]

😂😂😂

[@abdulraheem5292]

😁

[@blazingstar9638]

😂🏆

[@sabrinax4575]

Lucky girl

[@Silenced_by_nazi_youtube]

I just finished reading this book like 30 minutes ago. I cried at certain parts. And I never cry.

[@Persiankittty]

This is the only book I’ve read, and finished in 1 day

[@Yxkenzor]

Same , it's so interesting

[@Dray.TheChosen1]

wow well told! great book and one of the deepest lessons we learn

[@skcpeezy9282]

which is

[@thabang2832]

I learned that no treasure is worth more than life, your life.

[@JamDaleRick]

Reading this book for 6months ffs. Good thing theres a vid like this thank u

[@alexpinhero8371]

finished twice and looking to read it again and again ✌️

[@orieta1520]

I just finished the book because of a summer assignment and I’m so glad I had to read it! It’s really good I really recommend it!

[@abrilnelson4636]

My favorite book must of read it twice each year since I was 15

[@VETHAS-PLT]

Gradesaver has a KZbin channel 😮😮😮I've been reading in the website for years❣️

[@chimwemwezulu6829]

excellent narration

[@sharkzilla1208]

As a man with the name Santiago, I see this as an absolute win.

[@hisqueen1441]

You should meet fatima from the top comment

[@HotChocolate2070]

i read the book, istg it's so good ! y'all gotta read it. The story is so amazing ! and there's a big twist in the end-

[@kookfucksbigbuttholetae]

This book has always been so magical to me that every single time I read its pages, I end it in 2 days.

[@drcunda1]

In The Alchemist, the idea of a Personal Legend is vital to the plot, because it's what helps to keep Santiago moving throughout the story. We learn that a Personal Legend is a destiny that propels people toward what the universe thinks is best for them, and that to ignore it could lead to ruin. 🕊️

[@riasgremory5943]

Ima use this to write my Essay caus I forgot what was in the Bock thx Man 👨

[@sammyvillano9502]

How’d the essay work out?

[@Farfala_risita.22]

The story is the best of all!♥️ I love it! Bye

[@schuurms]

I just read this book… And to be honest, I didn’t really like it that much. The way it was written was hard to follow well, and it was overly spiritual for my taste. But it wasn’t a bad book, just not my sort of thing. I’m actually someone that does follow my heart and my dreams, so maybe it was already quite obvious to me, but for those who are afraid to follow their dreams, don’t be! The journey is an amazing one 😊

[@nazurahaziz1424]

This book bores me…

[@iskander07]

I read it and I didn't learn anything new except the author playing with fake philosophy

[@melaniefuentes7429]

"I hope you realize that this is not the practice run, this is not the preview. This is it. There is nothing to do but leap. There is nothing to do but allow yourself to exist as boldly and honestly as you can."

[@DoriaJeffersonP]

Just finished reading this book.

[@pulsar.]

This is one rereadable book

[@userrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr15]

I'm in love with this book

[@lethabomoropene9054]

Best book ever written

[@betzan05]

i'm only halfway in the book and i have to finish by tmr, but i'm too lazy, so i just watched the summary and the ending caught me off guard.

[@aaronsamano369]

So did u pass?

[@jacobangers]

Same this book bores me too much to finsish

[@betzan05]

Aaron Sámano shoot sorry I never responded I never noticed but the assignment was pretty short and yes I passed, but If you’re doing a bigger project it’s much better to actually read the whole book and I know that if I got a harder assignment I wouldn’t have passed but yaaa

[@betzan05]

Jacoby Bryant same :/ it isn’t the most boring book, but it isn’t that interesting either. I did not like the ending and the story in general. The ending gave such a 😐 moment

[@aaronsamano369]

betsy oof lol no worrries I passed it by just watching this vid 😌 💅

[@monicabn3067]

Finished the book and realised how foolishly I’m leading my life

[@Laid2Sleep]

Thank you

[@AliKhan-ft1uu]

Amazing story

[@loveindia1212]

I’ve already graduated university and high school I am no sophomore but gosh I wish when I was in high school I read this book when I was a sophomore I was too busy having fun still making honor roll A+ so I mean obviously the book was unnecessary but now I’m intrigued and quite bored due to Cove -19 But I’ll be listening to it on audiobook 🎶🎵🎶 Everyone says it’s going to change my life I doubt it

[@barkonchain]

If this book does not change your perspective on life then you are not truly engaged and reading the words. It takes a certain level of depth to truly capture the message

[@pong6377]

@@barkonchain agreed, I just finished it and tbh I didn't feel that much change of perspective,probably because I didn't took in the wisdom (which the book is mostly comprised of imo) and I just read through the story because for me it felt slow and I just wanted to see Santiago's journey . I'm definitely gonna do a second reading to fully understand the things in the book because there's definitely a lot of good shit in there that I've missed .

[@fitzsec]

“One must listen to the soul of the world to find one’s treasure.”

[@Bull_sheet_Bob]

In the book didn't he dig at the sycamore tree in the monastery?

[@andreaduran2924]

Does anyone know who actually put the treasure there?

[@zaffiruddin6808]

Middle part sounds like Harry Potter and the philosopher stone

[@lailaasif7738]

the idea of finding the philosopher stone has been around for years, way before harry potter.

[@zaffiruddin6808]

@@lailaasif7738 Interesting to know indeed. Thanks

[@rollickztalang3538]

I hve read this book but couldn't under it properly,thank alot

[@Lala-nm3qr]

Me 2 didn’t get it at some points

[@nanayawausar]

I just finished reading The Alchemist. That’s why I’m here

[@dhruv1011]

THANK YOU

[@abdullateef2997]

Just finished the Book 📖 ( Interesting ) !!

[@tothemoon1406]

This is how I imagined

[@turcorox911]

This was great! Thank you so much!

[@OnceHopefuL]

Whys this video so quiet. Im maxed out on my note 20 ultra and it sounds like a whisper

[@Yxkenzor]

It isn't might be your devices problem

[@kelsier1102]

Recommend some similar books

[@Rainbow_1981]

My 8 1/2 finished the book in 2 to 3 days.I didn’t realize it . Now I’m eager to read now😊

[@gabriellebryant8943]

My class finnished it but I didn’t and I’m way behind

[@jaydamcdonald5677]

me

[@tahmina02]

Sound is low

[@alangkansrisuwor5480]

So the treasure is indeed the friends we made along the way.

[@RuledSheet]

This book read me more than i read it

[@briandoll8787]

Is it worth reading y’all?

[@UniversalAnimeFreak]

Yes , I implore you to read it your self. This video , yes while it does summary the story. It will not ever evoke the feelings you get from reading the book

[@genia662]

Yess! It really is :)

[@zachvizion]

Yes

[@ashtirasoolmm9670]

I totally recommend. 😁

[@resmny]

Absolutely!

[@storr2428]

Reading now 16/11/2020

[@rymtotheprime11]

Wassup freshmen in college

[@breinspiredd]

Who else is here because of the GOAT RUSS!!!!! @russdiemon

[@Atl8720]

Im as free as a butterfly

[@ayabongamthalane3903]

Russ really paid homage🤔

[@preetyshrestha6089]

Write please

[@Wahcawatoglawin]

Kises on the wind😘

[@U_S_A-freedom]

I forgot to do my summer reading so hear I am

[@iishiir]

Lmao same, school starts tomorrow for me and it's 10pm

[@raeannaroylance5401]

Urim & Thumim-🧐

[@mohammedkhan1958]

The other day I read this book called "The Alchemist" and ended up making 💊 😢😢😢🚨🚨🚨

[@lostmarxbro]

Elixir = Chrism 🤔

[@neptune499]

i dont understand all the hype about this book

[@yousifmq]

There is no wisdom here lol 😂 wtf why is everyone so shocked and in awe of this trash book? I really dont get it It is just such a badly written story

[@Dafaq]

this book is mad dumb

[@dokangel]

Very poor book

[@BornEnlightenedNoSell]

Roșcata vrei sa fii 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨mea

[@Yxkenzor]

Weirdo

[@Hughsackmen69]

People who have watched/ read FMA: “Amateurs.”

[@MScoachDANI]

I just finished it tonight, when the Boy starts speaking about his love for Earth 🥲🥰 that was my fav part