The Alchemist

by

Paulo Coelho

The Elder Chief of Al-Fayoum Character Analysis

The elder chief is the leader of the tribal people living in the oasis Al-Fayoum. Santiago goes to the chieftains with his vision of a future in which the oasis, a supposed neutral zone, is attacked by an enemy tribe. The elder chief makes the decision to believe Santiago and to arm his people, but he says that if the prophecy does not come true, Santiago will be killed. The prophecy is fulfilled, and the oasis people are able to hold off the potential invaders.
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The Elder Chief of Al-Fayoum Character Timeline in The Alchemist

The timeline below shows where the character The Elder Chief of Al-Fayoum appears in The Alchemist. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Part Two
Maktub and What is Meant to Be Theme Icon
The Interconnectedness of All Things Theme Icon
...reassured. The discussion ends, and the chieftains are silent as they listen to the elder . The elder chieftain turns to Santiago and explains that all of the chiefs know that whoever believes in... (full context)
The Pursuit of Your Personal Legend Theme Icon
Maktub and What is Meant to Be Theme Icon
The Interconnectedness of All Things Theme Icon
The Unimportance of Death and Fear Theme Icon
The elder chieftain explains that the tribespeople observe traditions because they have helped their people survive. And tradition... (full context)
The Pursuit of Your Personal Legend Theme Icon
Maktub and What is Meant to Be Theme Icon
The Unimportance of Death and Fear Theme Icon
...find the oasis illuminated by the light of a full moon. He is alarmed by the elder chieftain ’s decision. Santiago has been successful at reaching the Soul of the World and receiving... (full context)
Maktub and What is Meant to Be Theme Icon
The Interconnectedness of All Things Theme Icon
...violated the tradition. He explains that he and his men had acted out of starvation . The elder chieftain expresses sympathy for the commander, but says that the sacred tradition is more important. He... (full context)