Dune is the epic space opera that gave us giant sand worms, mind-expanding Spice, prophecy and warring houses. But its not about any of these. Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel is truly visionary, an overused and often misapplied term, yet wholly justified here.
Space Knights and Wizards
Dune isn’t about space ships and laser-swords, there are no robots. This is sci-fantasy, a universe low on tech, high on mysticism. Plugged into the 60’s drug-culture vibe, the Spice of Arakis extends life and expands consciousness. It enables humans to become sorcerers, able to see the past. And there is one who will use it to see the future…
Enter Paul Atreides, son of a duke and a Bene Gesserit space-witch. Taking over the sole planet of Spice, the Atreides replace the psychopathic Harkonnens as rulers of Arakis. This mysterious and deadly desert world becomes a death trap. Betrayed and attacked by Harkonnens and the jealous Emperor, Paul Atreides escapes to the shelter of the native Fremen. Through dangerous trials, he fulfills the prophecy of the Fremen, becoming their leader, eventually overthrowing both Harkonnens and the Emperor.
Not a Space Opera
So far, so Chosen-One-Hero’s-Journey-epic-fantasy-in-space. But Dune isn’t about that, either. It’s much more subversive.
Herbert tears down politics, religion, even the notion of free will. Stepping into a false prophecy, seeded by the Bene Gesserit hundreds of years before, Paul exploits the Fremen in a religious coup. He uses them as an army of religious zealots to take over the galactic empire. He uses the Spice to become the Kwitatz Haderach, a super-being able to see the future as well as the past.
As the boy becomes the man, his innocence stripped away, he first becomes an instrument of vengeance against the Harkonnens. Then he becomes dictator, responsible for the deaths of billions across the universe. All of which is in his precognition. He becomes the thing he hates. At first reluctantly, then willingly.
Is it choice? Is it pre-destination? Has Paul a fate he cannot escape? Is this path the only one to give him vengeance and security? Paul embraces the prophecy, uses it, exploits it, accepts the price. He becomes an instrument of war and death on a vast scale. The persecuted Fremen rise up, to pursue their dream of Arakis as a green paradise.
Subversive and cautionary
To read Dune as a grand action-adventure misses Herbert’s key purpose. It is a cautionary tale against all forms of authority, all government, all religion. All power corrodes and corrupts the individual, charismatic leaders most of all. Paul Atreides may be the Chosen One, but he is not the messiah, and we should not trust anyone who claims to be.