How does melchizedek influence the boy’s actions? he encourages santiago to take advantage of every opportunity, which sometimes gets santiago into trouble, but enables him to learn and grow. he places santiago in dangerous situations to teach him valuable lessons about fate and destiny; santiago learns that one’s fate is always sealed. he santiago to recognize important signs and omens that santiago might have overlooked and encourages him to not give up. he lectures the boy and shows him where the buried treasure is; this enables santiago to discover his personal legend. (from the alchemist)