Dune: What Was The Prophecy Of Lisan Al Gaib Mentioned In Dune Part Two? Explained

by

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for cinematic storytelling and a voracious reader of science fiction novels, I find myself captivated by the intricate tapestry of prophecies and destinies unfolding in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune. The Lisan al Gaib prophecy, a messianic prophecy that has captured the hearts and minds of the Fremen, serves as a central narrative device that intertwines with the character development of Paul Atreides and Chani, played by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya respectively.

In Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One, we were introduced to the prophecies of the Lisan al Gaib and the Kwisatz Haderach, which will be further developed in Dune: Part Two. The transformation of Duke Paul Atreides, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, is striking and almost unrecognizable compared to his character in the first film. Although there are differences between the book and the movie, the central storyline remains consistent, and the prophecy of the Lisan al Gaib stays intact. The film aims to clarify these prophecies, but Villeneuve’s strategy results in a complex yet concise film, without becoming excessively long.

What is the Lisan Al Gaib prophecy?

In the world of Arrakis, the Fremen tribe holds a significant prophecy known as the Lisan al Gaib, also referred to as The Voice From the Outer World, Mahdi, or The One Who Will Guide Us to Paradise. This prophecy, often called the Chosen One prophecy in literature, is built upon the idea that an individual from another planet would free them from their oppressors and bring peace. A character like Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars serves as a well-known example of this prophetic figure.

Paul exhibits numerous characteristics similar to the Off-Worlder. It’s been indicated by Kynes, the Imperial planetologist, that the prophesied figure will seamlessly adapt to the Fremen lifestyle as if he were one of them himself. The Off-Worlder is also said to be the offspring of a Bene Gesserit and possess command over the Voice, traits that Paul clearly embodies.

1. In Frank Herbert’s book Dune: Part Two, Paul doesn’t need outside help to fulfill the prophecy; the film adaptation modifies Chani’s character, portrayed by Zendaya, as a key figure in the Lisan al Gaib prophecy. Her Fremen name, Sihaya (which translates to “Desert Spring”), isn’t mentioned in the novel, but her tears bring Paul back from a coma; however, her role in the prophecy is not explicitly detailed within the original story.

Where did the Lisan Al Gaib prophecy come from?

On the desert planet Arrakis, the emergence of the prophesied Messiah, the Kwisatz Haderach, was not a random occurrence, but a carefully planned mission by the Bene Gesserit. Their objective was to ready the cosmos for this exceptional individual who would possess unmatched knowledge and control. Without the Bene Gesserit’s manipulation, it is unlikely that the Kwisatz Haderach would have garnered faithful followers, as his appearance would be a momentous event in the universe.

Duke Leto Atreides and the Bene Gesserit considered the Fremen to be powerful allies, recognizing their potential as an effective military force in aiding the Kwisatz Haderach to claim the throne. This alliance, however, fostered a widespread belief in superstition across Arrakis.

The Kwisatz Haderach wasn’t the only reason for the Missionaria Protectiva. They spread superstition on primitive planets to aid their Bene Gesserit sisters in case they were ever stranded and needed a safe haven. Bene Gesserit could tap into the superstition to prove themselves to any native populace and find refuge, just as Paul and Jessica did on Arrakis. The Lisan al Gaib prophecy taking such a hold on the Fremen told Jessica just how harsh the conditions were on Arrakis.

Paul wasn’t destined to be the Lisan Al Gaib

Initially, it wasn’t Paul, belonging to both the Lisan al Gaib and the Kwisatz Haderach, who was destined to be the Chosen One in the scheme of things. The Bene Gesserit, instead, intended for Duke Leto Atreides and Jessica to have a daughter, who would wed a Harkonnen male, thereby putting an end to their longstanding feud. This offspring was to become the Kwisatz Haderach, leading humanity towards tranquility and wisdom. However, Jessica harbored her own unique ambitions.

The movie delves into Paul’s hesitation about fulfilling the prophecy, while the Reverend Mother suggests that others across the cosmos, like Feyd-Rautha, are being readied to assume the role of the Kwisatz Haderach. If Paul had stepped aside, someone else would have assumed his position instead.

Jessica’s choice to have a son sped up the sequence of events and made things more complicated. Had she obeyed the Reverend Mother’s instructions, a suitable husband from House Harkonnen would have been selected, which might have resolved the conflict between House Atreides and House Harkonnen earlier.

Duke Leto’s unpopularity led Emperor Shaddam IV to betray House Atreides, causing him to betray Leto’s daughter. Leto’s daughter would have become a Bene Gesserit, raising her son with Bene Gesserit lessons. With the Harkonnen and Atreides Houses merging, Emperor Shaddam IV’s throne would have been passed onto Kwisatz Haderach, who would have been fully realized.

In other words, unforeseen factors might have complicated the plan regardless, like the Kwisatz Haderach turning out to be less benevolent than expected due to his Harkonnen lineage. It’s plausible, but the probability of such a holy war leading to massive casualties was significantly reduced.

Read More

2024-08-21 14:29