BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist'-personal legend

Subject: BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist' - personal legend
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Nov 20 - 04:04 AM

I just finished reading The Alchemist, the 1988 novel by Brazilian novelist Paolo Coelho. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, the tale of the journey of a young Andalusian shepherd on foot across the deserts of North Africa to the Pyramids of Egypt. There was one term that bothered me: "Personal Legend," the boy's prime motivation for his journey. I wondered what the original Portuguese term is, and what might be a better translation of the term.
If you've read this book, let us know what you think of it. Having traveled to the Pyramids myself, I was captivated by this novel.

comments?
Opinions?

Joe

Subject: RE: BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist'-personal legend
From: Senoufou
Date: 03 Nov 20 - 04:14 AM

There's an excellent blog by Agustinus Kristiadi which gives some interesting ideas about this book, and the concept of a Personal Legend. He also lists four 'obstacles' to realising one's dream. (society's disapproval, love which prevents one from seeking ones destiny etc)
I think 'blog' is the right word, and I'm sorry I can't do a clicky thingy. Maybe someone who isn't a brainless geriatric could do one for me?

Subject: RE: BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist'-personal legend
From: Monique
Date: 03 Nov 20 - 04:24 AM

The original Portuguese term is "Lenda pessoal", literally "Personal Legend", I don't know if there's a better translation. I read it some years ago, I liked it but all I remember is the message "Follow your heart and become yourself."

Subject: RE: BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist'-personal legend
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Nov 20 - 04:25 AM

Agustinus Kristiadi's Blog - The Alchemist Reread

Subject: RE: BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist'-personal legend
From: Monique
Date: 03 Nov 20 - 04:26 AM

Eliza, is that the blog you mentioned?

Subject: RE: BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist'-personal legend
From: Monique
Date: 03 Nov 20 - 04:26 AM

Cross-post!

Subject: RE: BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist'-personal legend
From: Senoufou
Date: 03 Nov 20 - 04:34 AM

Yes! Yes! You clever lot! Thank you so much.
I think Mr Kristiadi says that one forms ambitions and ideas about the future during ones childhood. I certainly did. I'd line up my dolls and teddies and give them 'lessons', then pretend they were all mortally ill and 'nursed' them back to health. (Teacher or nurse in the making you see.)
I was interested in his examination of obstacles which get in the way of realising our 'personal legend'. Society has a lot of power and influence (particularly the 'media' nowadays) and it takes determination to continue to walk along the chosen path without being deflected. Criticism, derision, scorn, peer pressure etc.
Joe, this is such a fascinating subject.

Subject: RE: BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist'-personal legend
From: Senoufou
Date: 03 Nov 20 - 04:36 AM

Me again, sorry. But I just now thought of John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress'. Would you say this has a similar theme?

Subject: RE: BS: Coelho's 'Alchemist'-personal legend
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Nov 20 - 04:48 AM

Maybe a knock-off of Carlos Castaneda's Journey to Ixtlan?