Part 2, Section 4: Summary

In this section, we once again meet the alchemist. Expectedly, he is in the oasis, and he is seen observing the incoming caravan. He knows that his apprentice is part of this traveling party, but he doesn’t know his particular identity. According to the alchemist, when people are obsessed with words or images, they run the risk of forgetting the Language of the World.

The oasis is a neutral zone where members of the caravan must give up all weapons. The Englishman hands over a revolver. He then asks Santiago if he would help him find the alchemist in the oasis. Their search fails to yield any results, though. Then Santiago comes across a young woman and immediately falls in love with her. He is sure that she is the woman he wants to marry. The word Maktub, meaning “it is written,” comes to his mind, and he is convinced that she is his destiny. The woman is named Fatima, and she directs them to the alchemist. Santiago and the Englishman finally meet the alchemist. To the Englishman, the alchemist’s only advice is to “go and try” to transform lead into gold. The Englishman is dejected by this, as the alchemist only tells him what he has known and been doing all along.

Santiago knows that he must continue his journey, but he experiences a conflict. He confides in Fatima, telling her that she is more precious to him than the hidden treasure. Fatima, however, urges him to continue his quest. According to her, if they’re destined to be together, they will inevitably unite under any circumstance.

Santiago sees two hawks battling it out in midair and has a vision of the Al-Fayoum oasis being invaded. Santiago relays his vision to the tribal chieftain. Acting on Santiago’s warning, the tribal chief orders his men to get armed. However, he also mentions that once drawn, the weapons must be used; else, they may not work the next time. Therefore, if there is no enemy to wound, they will have to kill Santiago. Understandably, Santiago is anxious and afraid upon hearing this.

Santiago is soon confronted by a terrifying figure on horseback, dressed in black, riding out of the desert. The white horse approaches him, and the figure draws his sword. The rider demands to know who has been reading the flight of the hawks. Santiago, mentally prepared to be killed by this stranger, admits that he is the one. The rider then re-sheaths his sword. He was, it turns out, merely testing Santiago’s courage. He tells Santiago that he must not give up now and convinces him to complete his quest. The man soon rides away, and we are told that this man was none other than the alchemist.

The next day the oasis is attacked, but thanks to Santiago’s warning, the armed men are able to defend it. The tribal chief is happy with Santiago and gifts him fifty pieces of gold and also offers him the position of the oasis’s counselor.

Part 2, Section 4: Analysis

The events in this section reaffirm the fact that the alchemist’s true apprentice is not the Englishman, but Santiago. It is only Santiago who can read the omens and be in tune with the language of the universe.

The oasis at this point in the narrative presents enticing temptations to Santiago. Not only does he meet his love, Fatima, but he also earns the goodwill of the tribal chief and is offered the position of the oasis’s counsellor. This is a supreme test of Santiago’s willpower. It must be remembered that one cannot succeed in the quest unless one has the will to overcome temptations.

Santiago has come a long way from the time he got distracted by a sword and lost his money. He can now trust his visions and can overcome the fear of death.

The sense of joy that fills Santiago’s heart when he mistakenly believes that he will be killed by the alchemist is akin to the feelings of a martyr aware of the fact that he is sacrificing his life for a worthy cause. For Santiago, the pursuit of his Personal Legend is that worthy cause.