As such, Coelho’s novel depicts the path to God as based on an individual’s actions. One such example juxtaposes the biblical parable of the woman searching for the lost coin and Brida’s constant search for the knowledge needed to fulfill her destiny. These viewpoints are continually mingled with Brida’s continued quest to become a witch, as though the author were seeking to find similarities between the concepts of paganism and Christianity. The book makes many references to the divine, specifically God and Jesus, indicating in one instance that Jesus was “a woman before he became a man.” The reader may notice the somewhat unorthodox worldview of Christianity the author includes via Brida’s contemplation of the crucifix as it relates to Jesus’ purpose on the cross. There are prevalent overtones of paganism mixed with Roman Catholicism. In addition to Brida’s journey of self-discovery, Coelho also includes religious themes in the novel. Lorens, another prominent character in the novel, and Brida’s lover, although likable in many ways, is not as well rounded as the Magus and Wicca. He is quite amenable, and the portions of the book written from his perspective are more palatable. However, the Magus is quite the opposite. This mentor shares many of the same characteristics as Brida.

Similarly, Wicca is difficult to understand and warm up to.

She uses those around her to achieve her goals. She is then awakened from her vision and proceeds with training in the rituals and training needed to become a witch.Īs a character, Brida is unsympathetic and self-absorbed. While the forward movement of the plot is somewhat slow, the pace begins to quicken when Brida has a vision of a previous life where she is a woman preparing to die with the Cathars in the fortress of Monsegur in thirteenth-century France. While practicing these rituals, studying tarot cards, and dancing to the sound of the world, Brida begins to understand that she is a witch. The second teacher is Wicca, who instructs Brida in the knowledge and rituals of the tradition of the moon.

In Brida, the Magus sees his Soulmate-essentially the other half of his own soul.

The first is the Magus, who teaches her about the tradition of the sun, in addition to helping her conquer her fears. As the novel begins, Brida, the protagonist, seeks out two teachers. Paulo Coelho’s third novel, Brida, tells the story of a young woman on a quest for knowledge and fulfillment.

Brida paulo coelho