Part 1, Section 5: Summary

Santiago crosses the Strait of Gibraltar to reach Tangiers in Morocco. He is in unfamiliar terrain, and people around him speak an unknown language. He does not understand Arabic and thinks of the Muslims as infidels. In a bar he meets a Spanish-speaking man who promises to guide him to the pyramids of Egypt. Santiago trusts him, only to be betrayed. The man is a thief who steals all the money that Santiago was carrying. Santiago feels disillusioned and accuses God of thwarting the efforts of people who dare to follow their dreams. He looks in his pouch to see if there is any money left with him, but he only finds the Urim and Thummim stones. He is immediately reminded of Melchizedek and his words. Santiago then decides to view this struggle as an adventure.

The next morning Santiago wakes up a happy man despite having no money. In the market he helps a candy seller set up his stall. The candy seller appears to be happy, and Santiago realizes that selling candy is the man’s Personal Legend, and that he has fulfilled it. Though he knows no Arabic, Santiago is nonetheless easily able to communicate with the man. Santiago compares this wonder to his experience with his sheep: he could communicate with the sheep even though they did not share any common language.

Part 1, Section 5: Analysis

Santiago is busy looking at a beautiful sword when he’s robbed in the market by a Spanish-speaking man. This incident brings to one’s mind the sword of St. James and the legend surrounding his martyrdom. However, the sword is also a symbol of wealth, power, violence, and the dangers associated with these. Santiago, it must be noted, misjudged the man, which in turn led to his betrayal. He is thus reminded of the importance of exercising caution during his journey ahead.

The candy seller, having fulfilled his Personal Legend, leads a visibly happy life. The author here seems to suggest that the Personal Legend can take myriad forms. For Santiago, it is the quest, but for this man it was selling candies near his home. What is of general importance, however, is to remain steadfast in the pursuit of one’s dream.