Dune
Epic science fiction saga set in a distant future where noble houses fight for control of the desert planet Arrakis and its precious spice melange.
Category
Science Fiction
Release Year
1965
Origin
USA
Tags
science fictionspace operadesert planetspicepolitical intrigue
Detailed Overview Information
Basic Information
Full Name
Dune
Aliases
Dune Chronicles, Dune Saga, Dune Universe
Type
Science Fiction Literature/Media Franchise
Release Year
1965
Status
Ongoing
Origin
United States
Region
Not specified
Creation Information
Creator
Frank Herbert
Publisher
Chilton Books (original), various publishers
Original Work
Novel
Genre
Science Fiction, Space Opera, Political Fiction, Ecological Fiction
Content Information
Synopsis
In the distant future, noble houses vie for control of the desert planet Arrakis, source of the precious spice melange that enables space travel and extends life.
Main Characters
Paul Atreides, Duke Leto Atreides, Lady Jessica, Duncan Idaho, Gurney Halleck, Stilgar
Setting
Far future (10191 AG), primarily on the desert planet Arrakis (Dune)
Themes
Ecology, religion, politics, power, prophecy, human evolution, resource scarcity
Target Audience
Adult science fiction readers, political fiction enthusiasts
Characters
Paul Atreides / Muad'Dib
Protagonist/Messiah Figure
Son of Duke Leto Atreides who becomes the prophesied leader of the Fremen and Emperor of the Known U...
ProtagonistKwisatz HaderachEmperorFremen Leader
Lady Jessica
Bene Gesserit Adept/MotherBene Gesserit, House AtreidesFemale
Bene Gesserit concubine to Duke Leto and mother of Paul, trained in the sisterhood's ways.
Abilities: Voice, Bene Gesserit Training, Combat Skills...
Quotes:
"A person needs new experiences. They jar something deep inside."
""I am Lady Jessica.""
"The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience."
character
Duke Leto Atreides
Duke of House AtreidesHouse AtreidesMale
Noble and honorable leader of House Atreides, father of Paul and lover of Lady Jessica.
Abilities: Leadership, Military Strategy, Political Acumen...
Quotes:
"A great man doesn't seek to lead. He's called to it."
""I am Duke Leto Atreides.""
"The highest function of ecology is understanding consequences."
character
Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
Baron of House Harkonnen/Primary AntagonistHouse HarkonnenMale
Cruel and cunning leader of House Harkonnen, enemy of House Atreides and architect of Duke Leto's downfall.
Abilities: Political Manipulation, Cruelty, Strategic Planning...
Quotes:
"The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice."
""I am Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
Harkonnen Heir/RivalHouse HarkonnenMale
Baron Harkonnen's nephew and heir, a skilled fighter and potential Kwisatz Haderach candidate.
Abilities: Combat Skills, Political Cunning, Charisma...
Quotes:
"I will kill you, Paul Atreides."
""I am Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Emperor Shaddam IV
Padishah EmperorImperial House CorrinoMale
Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe who fears House Atreides' growing power.
Abilities: Imperial Authority, Political Manipulation, Sardaukar Command...
Quotes:
"The throne must be protected at all costs."
""I am Emperor Shaddam IV.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Liet-Kynes
Imperial Planetologist/Fremen LeaderImperial Service, FremenMale/Female (varies by adaptation)
Imperial Planetologist of Arrakis and secret Fremen leader working to terraform the planet.
Abilities: Ecological Knowledge, Fremen Leadership, Scientific Expertise...
Quotes:
"The desert takes the weak. My desert. My Arrakis. My Dune."
""I am Liet-Kynes.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
Bene Gesserit Reverend MotherBene Gesserit SisterhoodFemale
Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother and Truthsayer to the Emperor, Jessica's former teacher.
Abilities: Voice, Truthsense, Genetic Memory...
Quotes:
"You have been tested, human. You may withdraw your hand from the box."
""I am Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam.""
"Plans within plans within plans."
character
Media Forms
Books
Original 6-book series by Frank Herbert, expanded universe by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Films
Dune (1984) by David Lynch, Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024) by Denis Villeneuve
Tv Shows
Dune: The Sisterhood (upcoming HBO series)
Video Games
Dune (1992), Dune II, Emperor: Battle for Dune, various strategy games
Merchandise
Collectibles, art books, soundtracks, board games
Digital Content
Audiobooks, digital comics, online content
Commercial Information
Sales
Over 20 million books sold worldwide
Box Office
Dune (2021): $401.8 million worldwide, Dune: Part Two (2024): $714 million worldwide
Awards
Hugo Award, Nebula Award, numerous science fiction honors
Critical Reception
Widely regarded as one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written
Cultural Impact
Influenced countless science fiction works, environmental movement, political discourse
Fan Culture
Fanbase
Dedicated global community of science fiction enthusiasts
Communities
Reddit r/dune, Dune forums, Facebook groups
Events
Science fiction conventions, book clubs, film screenings
Quotes
Fear is the mind-killer, He who controls the spice controls the universe
Memes
Spice must flow, desert power, sandworm riding
Cosplay
Fremen, Bene Gesserit, House Atreides, Harkonnen characters
Historical Development
1965
Original Dune novel published, wins Hugo and Nebula Awards
1984
David Lynch's Dune film released to mixed reception
2000
Sci-Fi Channel miniseries Dune receives critical acclaim
2021
Denis Villeneuve's Dune Part One becomes box office success
2024
Dune: Part Two completes Paul's story arc to critical acclaim
1969-1985
Frank Herbert completes original 6-book series
Related Links
www.dunenovels.com
www.enjoyip.com