The Alchemist

Urim and Thummim are two stones—supposedly with magical properties—that Melchizedek gives to Santiago. The stones (one white, one black, both placed inside a small bag) are said to help with the decision-making process. When asked an objective question, they will provide an answer and remove any doubts that might be clouding Santiago’s mind regarding his quest to fulfill his Personal Legend. Though Santiago rarely uses the stones, he keeps them with him at all times. They remind him of Melchizedek and, by association, of the importance of his journey. Because they are plucked directly from Melchizedek’s breast plate, they are a permanent reminder of why Santiago is on his quest and how it was set in motion. At times of doubt, they can remind him to keep moving forward.

While the stones have a clear narrative purpose, their symbolic meaning can be more difficult to interpret. Though they are said to have magic powers, Santiago refrains from using Urim and Thummim to help him make decisions. Instead of actually using the stones to read an omen (a narrative purpose), Santiago relies on them to function as a reminder of the lessons he has been taught on his journey (a symbolic purpose).