In society there is something called the hero's journey. It's when our destiny is before us and, with the choices we make, chart our course for the rest of our lives. In the novel The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Cinderella Man directed by Ron Howard show how the hero's journey influences the lives of Santiago and Jim Braddock. In Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, Santiago is a poor Shepard. He travels through Spain and the Middle East selling the wool from his sheep. For some time Santiago has been dreaming of a treasure near the pyramids of Egypt. While selling wool in a small town, Santiago meets a gypsy. The gypsy who lives in Tarifa and interprets dreams. He reads palms and uses black magic iconography although he keeps images of Christ present. Santiago initially doesn't believe the gypsy. Until the king of Salem, King Mechizedek, explains what a personal legend is for Santiago and that his personal legend is to find this treasure. Melchizedek convinces Santiago to sell his flock and leave for Tangier. Santiago decides to follow the king's advice to sell his flock and go to Tangier. Santiago decides to do just that. Until, of course. is robbed in Tarifa. He was in a bar, but he didn't know Arabic. A person who spoke Spanish like him agreed to take him across the desert. Santiago gave him all his money and followed him through a crowded market. An ornate sword distracted him and the thief slipped away into the crowd. Santiago then finds work with the crystal merchant. Santiago is there for about a year. During that time it helps to make the merchant rich. After a year he goes to the pyramids to find his treasure. Santiago leaves and meets He joins a caravan traveling to Egypt.Santiago meets an Englishman...... middle of paper ......st. Braddock shows no fear. The arrogant Baer attempts to intimidate him, even taunting Mae in public by telling her that her man might not survive. When he says this, she gets so angry that she throws a drink at him. He can't watch the fight at the Madison Square Garden Bowl or even listen to it on the radio. On June 13, 1935, in one of the greatest victories in boxing history, Braddock defeated the seemingly invincible Baer to become the heavyweight champion of the world. In conclusion, Santiago from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and James J. “The Cinderella Man” Braddock from Cinderella Man directed by Ron Howard are two examples of determination and success in their personal legend, in their destinies. I truly believe that the choices we make create our future. Our destiny is not carved in stone, but it is our choices that transform it into monuments.