Places
Characters
Plot Details
Allusions
The Crystal Merchant
100

Andalusia, Spain

Santiago’s home region, where he works as a shepherd and first dreams of his treasure.

100

Who is Santiago?

Santiago is a shepherd from Andalusia, Spain

100

Santiago's dream

He repeatedly dreams of a child telling him about a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids.

100

Melchizedek

King of Salem who introduces Santiago to the personal legend

100

Where does Santiago meet the Crystal Merchant?

He meets him in Tangier, Morocco after being robbed

200

Tarifa, Spain

A small town where Santiago meets the Gypsy woman and then later meets the King of Salem, Melchizedek.

200

Who is Gypsy?

Gypsy is a old woman living in Tarifa who interprets dreams

200

The Gypsy’s Woman

A Gypsy woman in Tarifa tells Santiago that his dream is prophetic and that he must go to Egypt to find his treasure.

200

Urim and Thummim

He gives Santiago these two stones to help him make decisions.

200

Why does Santiago start working for the Crystal Merchant?

He needs money to continue his journey to Egypt.

300

Tangier, Morocco

Santiago crosses the Strait of Gibraltar to North Africa, where he is robbed and forced to work for the crystal merchant.

300

Who is Melchizedek?

King of Salem, introduces Santiago to the personal legend and gives him Urim and Thummim, two stones that help guide him.


300

Meeting Melchizedek, the King of Salem

An old man named Melchizedek introduces Santiago to the concept of a Personal Legend and encourages him to pursue his dream. He gives Santiago two stones, Urim and Thummim, to help him make decisions.

300

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Symbolizes divine love and guidance, reflected in Santiago’s belief that “where your heart is, there is your treasure.”

300

What kind of shop does the Crystal Merchant own?

A crystal shop that sells glassware.

400

The Crystal Shop

A small shop on a hill in Tangier where Santiago starts working to earn money after being robbed.

400

Who is Fatima? 

A girl who lives at the Al-Fayoum oasis and Santiago falls in love with her 

400

Why did Santiago sell his sheep?

Santiago sells his sheep to fund his journey to Egypt.

400

The Good Shepherd

Santiago refers to Jesus as the Good Shepherd, symbolizing care, guidance, and spiritual awakening.

400

How does Santiago help improve the Crystal Merchant’s business?

He suggests cleaning the crystals to attract more customers.

   

500

The Abandoned Church

In Andalusia, where Santiago sleeps with his sheep and has his recurring dream about the treasure near the pyramids.

500

Who is the Crystal Merchant?

A struggling shop owner who hires Santiago after he is robbed in Tangier.

500

Arrival in Tangier

Santiago arrives in North Africa, where he is robbed by a man. 


500

The Butterfly

Appears when Santiago meets Melchizedek

500

How does the Crystal Merchant feel about change?

He is afraid of it.