The Alchemist tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who embarks on a journey to fulfill his "Personal Legend," seeking treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he encounters various characters who guide him, including a king, a crystal merchant, and an alchemist, learning valuable life lessons about omens, following one's heart, and the interconnectedness of the universe. The text details his experiences as he traverses the desert, falls in love, and faces numerous trials that test his resolve. Ultimately, he learns that the treasure was within him all along, and that the journey itself was the true treasure. The book explores themes of destiny, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams. The book concludes with some information about Paulo Coelho's experience writing the book.