The first part in The Alchemist is like an introduction to our main character, Santiago; He is a poor shepherd, who knows how to read. His father wanted him to be a priest but he became a shepherd instead because he loves to travel and adventure. In addition, he believes that his sheep can understand him and he tells them about the girl he had met one year prior, she was a textile merchant’s daughter, he was going to see her soon, and he couldn’t wait.
While sleeping, he dreamt that he went to Egypt and there, he found a little boy, which told him that his treasure is buried at the Pyramids but when the boy was going to tell him the location exactly, Santiago would always wake up. In Tarifa, he found a gypsy and told her about his dream so he made him promise that he will give her a tenth of his treasure when he found the treasure.
After he left the gypsy’s house, he sat in the Plaza to read a book, where he met an old man who was actually a king and he tried to make a conversation with Santiago. Thus the talked about the world’s greatest lie and the Personal Legend that come from the Soul of the World (conspires to help everyone achieve them). Melchizedek, the king, seems to be able to read Santiago's mind and promises to tell him about the treasure if he gives him one-tenth of his sheep. After the discussion, Santiago decided to sell his flock and gives 6 to the king. So Melchizedek took them and advises him to believe in the omens and also gave Santiago 2 stones, black stone called Urim (yes) and a white stone called Thummim (no).
Santiago bought a ticket to Tangiers, so when he was in the bar, a young Spanish man offers to help him to go the Pyramids; so he took Santiago to buy a camel and he robbed him and escaped. Santiago was in a state of confusion so he asked the 2 stones if the king’s blessing was still with him and the answer was “yes”. Therefore, he continued his journey and while he was walking he found a bad stated crystal shop. He decided to clean it, so the owner saw him and offered him a job so he could have some cash to buy new flocks and returns to Andalusia.
