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Urim and Thummim are fortune-telling stones that Melchizedek gives to Santiago. The stones are black and white, with their colors representing “yes” and “no” answers to questions—so Melchizedek tells Santiago that he must only ask objective questions of the stones. Because of this, Urim and Thummim symbolize certainty and objective knowledge. This type of certainty, however, is ultimately presented as less valuable than the opportunity to learn from the world and to make one’s own choices. Santiago carries the stones with him throughout the novel, but never uses them, having promised to “make his own decisions.” The constant presence of Urim and Thummim thus also represents the human desire to give up control and decision-making ability. The greatest lie in the world, as stated by Melchizedek, is that humans don’t control their fates. Although Melchizedek is the one who offers the stones to Santiago, they also symbolize the very thing that he says Santiago should avoid: trusting in anything other than himself to make a decision.
Urim and Thummim Quotes in The Alchemist
The The Alchemist quotes below all refer to the symbol of Urim and Thummim. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
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Part One
Quotes
He didn’t consider mending the hole—the stones could fall through any time they wanted. He had learned that there were certain things one shouldn't ask about, so as not to flee from one's own destiny. “I promised that I would make my own decisions,” he said to himself.
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Urim and Thummim Symbol Timeline in The Alchemist
The timeline below shows where the symbol Urim and Thummim appears in The Alchemist. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Part One
...and a black stone from the breastplate. He tells him that the stones are called Urim and Thummim . The black stone signifies “yes,” and the white stone “no.” These fortune-telling stones will...
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...his possessions are left. All he has are his book, his jacket, and the stones Urim and Thummim . He looks at the stones and feels relieved, because perhaps he could sell them...
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...if he is going to find his treasure, but when he reaches into his pouch, Urim and Thummim fall through a hole in the pouch. He realizes that this may be an omen....
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Part Two
...find his old shepherd’s pouch. As he removes his jacket from the pouch, the stones Urim and Thummim fall to the ground, The stones make Santiago remember Melchizedek, and he is startled by...
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...to Mecca, or to go through life trying to realize one’s dream, but failing. But Umin and Thummim have now reminded him of the old king, and Santiago convinces himself that he should...
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...a crystal salesman again. He seeks out a caravan crossing the desert and he holds Urim and Thummim in his hand as he does so. He remembers the old king telling him that...
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Santiago puts away his book and takes out Urim and Thummim . The Englishman recognizes the stones, and Santiago immediately returns them into his pocket. “They're...
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...in the Bible, and that the Bible is the same book that taught him about Urim and Thummim . In the Bible, priests would carry these stones embedded in their golden breastplates.
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...luck omen. He feels it was no coincidence that he met Santiago, who also had Urim and Thummim with him. Santiago tells the Englishman that he is looking for a treasure. The Englishman...
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Epilogue
Santiago takes Urim and Thummim out of his bag and adds them to the chest. They are also part of...
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