Spice Melange is a narcotic substance found only on the planet Arrakis (Dune). It is the most valuable commodity in the universe because it extends human life, expands consciousness, and, most importantly, grants the prescience required for safe faster-than-light space travel.

Arrakis is the only known source of Spice. Without Spice, the Spacing Guild's Navigators cannot guide ships through folded space, effectively halting all interstellar trade and travel. Therefore, 'he who controls the Spice controls the universe'.

The Kwisatz Haderach is a prophesied 'super-being' sought by the Bene Gesserit sisterhood through a centuries-long genetic breeding program. They aimed to create a male Bene Gesserit who could access both male and female ancestral memories and bridge space and time with his mind.

Sandworms (Shai-Hulud) are colossal creatures native to Arrakis that can grow hundreds of meters long. They are worshipped by the Fremen and are integral to the planet's ecology, as their life cycle is responsible for the creation of the Spice.

It is generally recommended to read Frank Herbert's original six novels in publication order: Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse: Dune. The expanded universe books by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson can be read afterwards.

Denis Villeneuve's adaptation (Part One and Part Two) is largely faithful but splits the first novel into two films to capture its scale. Some internal monologues and subplots (like the dinner party scene or deeper Mentat lore) are condensed or omitted to focus on the visual storytelling and main political conflict.

The Bene Gesserit is an ancient, secretive sisterhood of women who train their bodies and minds to superhuman levels. They use their abilities, such as the 'Voice' (mind control) and Truthsense, to influence galactic politics and steer humanity toward a specific destiny.

The Golden Path is a prescient vision of the only future where humanity survives extinction. It involves a difficult and tyrannical course of action that forces humanity to evolve and scatter across the universe to ensure its long-term survival.

Dune is known for its dense world-building, unique terminology, and complex political/philosophical themes. It plunges the reader into the deep end of its universe. However, it includes a glossary, and most readers find the immersive experience rewarding once they adjust to the style.

Major adaptations include David Lynch's 1984 film, the 2000 Sci-Fi Channel miniseries (and its 2003 sequel 'Children of Dune'), and Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed film duology (Dune: Part One in 2021 and Dune: Part Two in 2024).