The Messiah (novel)

The Messiah is a science fiction novel by Frank Herbert, published in 1969. It is the second book in the Dune series, following Dune (1965) and preceding Children of Dune (1976).

The novel explores the consequences of Paul Atreides' ascension to power as the Kwisatz Haderach and his role as the messianic figure Muad'Dib for the Fremen people of Arrakis. While Dune focuses on Paul's rise, The Messiah examines the burdens and limitations of prescience, as Paul struggles against predetermined futures and assassination plots orchestrated by various factions seeking to dethrone him.

Key themes within The Messiah include: the dangers of charismatic leadership and unchecked power; the complex relationship between religion, politics, and prophecy; and the exploration of free will versus determinism. The novel delves into the psychological and emotional toll on Paul as he navigates his role as a messiah and attempts to steer humanity away from potential catastrophe, despite the constraints of his visions. The narrative features plots by the Bene Gesserit, the Spacing Guild, and the Tleilaxu to control Paul and the spice melange, the vital resource found only on Arrakis.