A recurring dream troubles Santiago, a young and adventurous Andalusian shepherd. During the dream, a child tells him to seek treasure at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids. Santiago consults an old woman to interpret the dream, and to his surprise she tells him to go to Egypt

Next he meets a strange, old man named Melchizedek, who claims to be the King of Salem. He seems to be able to read Santiago’s mind, echoes the old woman’s advice and tells him that it is his Personal Legend to journey to the pyramids. Melchizedek convinces Santiago to sell his flock and set off.

 “The boy (Santiago) didn't know what a person's "destiny" was.  "It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is.”