Glossary of Dune (franchise) terminology

This glossary aims to provide concise definitions of key terms, concepts, and organizations prevalent within the Dune universe created by Frank Herbert and continued by his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. It serves as a reference for understanding the complex and often unique lexicon that permeates the novels, films, and other media related to the Dune franchise.

A

• Actuated Leverage: A physical principle exploited by individuals trained in the Bene Gesserit martial art known as the Weirding Way, allowing them to amplify their physical strength and agility.

• Agony Box: A device used by the Bene Gesserit to test an individual's awareness. Subjects must hold their hand in the box, which induces excruciating pain, while maintaining control and awareness. Failure results in death.

• Amal: A fictional spice alcohol drink mentioned in the books.

• Amsec: A security provider in the Dune universe.

• Arrakis: The desert planet that is the sole source of the spice melange. Also known as Dune. It is characterized by harsh conditions, giant sandworms, and the Fremen people.

• Atreides: A noble Great House, descendants of the Greek mythological House Atreus through Agamemnon, and servants of the Golden Lion Throne, whose ancestral home planet is Caladan. Key members include Duke Leto Atreides, Lady Jessica, and Paul Atreides.

B

• Bene Gesserit: An ancient and influential all-female order possessing extraordinary mental and physical abilities developed through rigorous training. They pursue a long-term breeding program aimed at producing the Kwisatz Haderach.

• Bene Tleilax: A secretive and genetically advanced race known for their mastery of biological manipulation, including the creation of axlotl tanks and gholas. Often viewed with suspicion and distrust by other factions.

• Bindu Suspension: A practice that enhances mental and physical awareness to heightened levels, taught by the Bene Gesserit.

• Bhotani: A culture known for their mercenaries and their distinct fighting prowess.

• Blood Price: The price demanded by the Fremen for a life taken unjustly, typically paid in water.

• Blue-in-Blue: Refers to the distinctive blue eyes of those addicted to the spice melange, particularly the Fremen.

C

• Caladan: The ancestral home planet of House Atreides, known for its temperate climate and oceans.

• Carryall: A large transport aircraft used to lift spice harvesters from the Arrakis desert and rescue them from sandworms.

• CHOAM: The Combine Honnete Ober Advancer Mercantiles. An economic organization controlled by the Landsraad Great Houses that holds a monopoly on interstellar trade.

• Coriolis Storm: Powerful sandstorms on Arrakis generated by the Coriolis effect.

• Crysknife: A sacred Fremen weapon made from the tooth of a sandworm. It is either fixed (permanently bonded to its owner) or unfixed.

D

• Deathhand: A technique developed by the Bene Gesserit, in which they can cause paralysis or death with a single touch.

• Desert Power: The inherent strength and resilience that comes from surviving the harsh conditions of Arrakis. Often associated with the Fremen.

• Dew Collector: Devices used by the Fremen to collect atmospheric moisture in the arid climate of Arrakis.

• D-wolves: Genetically engineered predators created by the Bene Tleilax to hunt humans.

E

• Ecaz: A planet famous for its art and botanical gardens.

• Elacca Drug: A stimulant with potent, though temporary, strength-enhancing properties.

• Emperor: The Padishah Emperor, head of the Imperium. At the time of Dune, Shaddam IV of House Corrino holds the throne.

• Erg: A large, sandy desert region, particularly on Arrakis.

F

• Faufreluches: A rigid class system maintained by the Landsraad Great Houses, emphasizing tradition and hierarchy.

• Fedaykin: Fremen death commandos, highly skilled and fiercely loyal.

• Fremen: The native inhabitants of Arrakis, adapted to the harsh desert environment. They possess a deep understanding of the planet's ecology and are fiercely independent.

G

• Ghola: A resurrected clone of a deceased individual, created through Bene Tleilax technology. The ghola typically retains the memories and personality of the original.

• Great Convention: The foundational document of the Imperium, establishing rules of warfare and forbidding the use of atomic weapons against civilian populations.

• Great Houses: The noble families that control planetary systems and hold significant power within the Landsraad.

H

• Halophyte: A plant that can survive in saline conditions.

• Handlers: Individuals who supervise and guide blind people to use their other senses to "see".

• Harvestmen: Machines that gather the spice melange on Arrakis.

• Heighliner: Massive interstellar transport ships operated by the Spacing Guild, capable of folding space and enabling travel between star systems.

• Holtzman Effect: The scientific principle behind the folding of space used for interstellar travel, developed by Tio Holtzman.

I

• Ix: A planet known for its advanced technology, often bordering on forbidden due to its potential to threaten the Spacing Guild's monopoly on interstellar travel.

J

• Jihad: A holy war. In the Dune universe, it often refers to the widespread religious fervor sparked by Paul Atreides (Muad'Dib).

K

• Kaitain: The capital planet of the Imperium, where the Imperial Palace is located.

• Kwisatz Haderach: A Bene Gesserit term for "the shortening of the way." A genetic male whose oracular powers will bridge space and time. Essentially, the ultimate Bene Gesserit goal.

L

• Landsraad: The assembly of all the Great Houses of the Imperium.

• Lasgun: A powerful laser weapon, which creates a nuclear explosion if its beam strikes a shield generator.

• Leto II: Paul Atreides' son, also known as the God Emperor. He ruled the known universe for over 3,500 years.

M

• Mahdi: In Fremen belief, the messianic figure who will lead them to freedom and transform Arrakis.

• Melange: The spice, a unique substance found only on Arrakis, that extends life, enhances mental abilities, and is essential for interstellar travel by the Spacing Guild.

• Mentat: Individuals trained to function as human computers, capable of processing vast amounts of information and making complex calculations.

• Muad'Dib: The Fremen name given to Paul Atreides, meaning "desert mouse." It symbolizes his connection to Arrakis and his role as a leader.

N

• No-Chamber: A shielded room that blocks prescience.

O

• Orange Catholic Bible: An ecumenical book compiling religious beliefs to bridge differences after the Butlerian Jihad.

• Ornithopter (Thopter): A winged aircraft that simulates the flight of a bird, commonly used for transportation and reconnaissance on Arrakis.

P

• Padishah Emperor: The absolute ruler of the Known Universe. The supreme head of state, in contrast to the CHOAM directorate which handles economic concerns.

• Pundi Rice: A staple food on Arrakis.

Q

• No relevant terms at this time

R

• Reverend Mother: A Bene Gesserit who has undergone the spice agony and unlocked ancestral memories.

S

• Salusa Secundus: The homeworld of House Corrino and a harsh training ground for the Sardaukar.

• Sandrider: A Fremen who rides a sandworm.

• Sandworm: Immense, territorial creatures native to Arrakis that are vital to the spice cycle. They are also known as Shai-Hulud.

• Sardaukar: The elite military force of the Padishah Emperor, renowned for their discipline and ruthlessness.

• Shield: A personal protective device that generates an energy field. Lasguns and shields create explosive reactions.

• Shigawire: A strong and versatile material.

• Sietch: A Fremen cave dwelling that serves as a community center and refuge.

• Silent Language: Non-verbal communication used by the Bene Gesserit.

• Siridar: A planetary governor in the Imperium.

• Spacing Guild: The organization that controls interstellar travel through its monopoly on spacefolding technology. They are heavily reliant on the spice melange for their navigators' prescience.

• Spice: See Melange.

• Stillsuit: A body-enclosing garment worn by the Fremen that recycles sweat and urine into potable water, vital for survival on Arrakis.

• Suspensor: A device that negates gravity.

T

• Tleilaxu: See Bene Tleilax.

• Truthsayer: A Bene Gesserit with the ability to detect deception.

U

• No relevant terms at this time

V

• No relevant terms at this time

W

• Water Discipline: The Fremen practice of conserving and valuing water as a precious resource.

• Water Rings: Currency on Arrakis which represents water rights.

• Water Sellers: Individuals who purchase the right to collect and sell water.

• Weirding Way: The Bene Gesserit martial art which enhances physical ability and reflexes.

• Windtrap: Structures used to capture water from the atmosphere on Arrakis.

X

• No relevant terms at this time

Y

• No relevant terms at this time

Z

• No relevant terms at this time