The Fate of Earth Explored in Dune

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Dune: Prophecy. The latest episode of Max’s series, Dune: Prophecy, unveiled a significant revelation when one of its main characters made a brief mention of “Old Earth,”humanity’s original home planet. This reference emerges in episode 5 of the prequel, which is set millennia into the future. The Dune saga spans multiple planets within the Known Universe—Caladan, Giedi Prime, Kaitain, and prominently, Arrakis. Yet “Old Earth”rarely appears in discussions among the characters throughout the extensive narrative of the Dune franchise.

Understanding Earth’s Complex History in Dune Canon

The Evolution of Dune’s Authors Leads to Intricate Lore

A sandworm emerging from the dust on the cover of Dune novel.

The Dune saga, initially crafted by Frank Herbert, consists of six novels that delve into the lives of Paul Atreides, his progeny, and the enigmatic Bene Gesserit. It was in the second novel, Dune Messiah, that Emperor Paul began to explore Old Earth, drawing parallels to historical figures like Adolf Hitler and Genghis Khan in his quest to rectify the chaos he caused through his holy war across the Known Universe.

Following Herbert’s passing in 1986, his son Brian Herbert took up the mantle, extending the Dune universe by penning numerous prequels and sequels alongside co-author Kevin J. Anderson. This collaboration has allowed for a dramatic expansion, culminating in a total of 23 Dune novels. Notably, one of their creations, Sisterhood of Dune, served as inspiration for Max’s Dune: Prophecy.

Earth’s Involvement in the Machine War

Humanity’s Determination Against the Machines

House Atreides leading the rebellion against the thinking machines in Dune: Prophecy Season 1 Ep 1

In the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad, a group known as the Commission of Ecumenical Translators convened on Old Earth to compile the Orange Catholic Bible—a composite of all significant religious doctrines. By the time Paul Atreides ascends to the imperial throne, knowledge and memory of Old Earth have significantly diminished, with many viewing it as a mere myth.

Earth’s Near Destruction by a Planetoid

Resilience of Earth Amidst Catastrophe

The Emperor's spaceship burning towards Arrakis in Dune: Part Two

In the Dune universe, Earth has endured multiple cataclysms. According to The Dune Encyclopedia, Old Earth was hit by a planetoid, threatening to obliterate it thousands of years after humanity began its colonization of the solar system. Fortunately, by this time, human populations had already surged across the Known Universe, allowing humanity to thrive despite such tragedies.

In the wake of Old Earth’s devastation, the Imperium relocated its power center to the asteroid Ceres. However, they did not abandon Old Earth altogether; instead, they retrieved artifacts from its ruins and revitalized the planet by reintroducing native flora and fauna, ultimately designating it as a natural park. Despite these efforts, humanity gradually shifted its focus to new worlds, continuing to expand their domains.

The Portrayal of Earth in Dune Movies & The Prequel Series

Subtle References to Humanity’s Origin in Dune

In a notable moment from episode 5 of Dune: Prophecy, Emperor Javicco Corrino made a direct reference to Old Earth while addressing his subjects, stating, “As far back as humanity’s time on Old Earth, those whose actions seek to destroy the social order have always warranted a swift response.”This acknowledgment marks the first explicit mention of Earth across both the prequel series and Denis Villeneuve’s films. It reinforces that even millennia later, vestiges of humanity’s history on Old Earth remain within the collective memory.

Despite the prevailing amnesia regarding Old Earth, the House Atreides exhibits a continued connection to the planet, even 10,000 years post-Butlerian Jihad. Their family name alludes to the mythical hero Atreus, with their lineage tracing back to King Agamemnon, enhancing their rich legacy within the Imperium. Additionally, Gurney Halleck’s engagement with the Orange Catholic Bible in Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One suggests a profound understanding of humanity’s historical context and Old Earth’s teachings.

Ultimately, while the Dune franchise primarily explores narratives that unfold after the abandonment of Old Earth, there is a conscious effort by its creators to honor and weave together its historical significance. With projects like Dune: Prophecy, the series effectively delves into humanity’s evolution beyond its original home, showcasing how the past continues to shape its destiny across the vast expanses of the Known Universe.

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