Atreides Parallax – Prologue

In the prologue of Dune by Frank Herbert, we are introduced to quite a few characters, places and concepts, many of them new and unfamiliar. In an effort to plot my course through the book, I take some time to get my bearings and map out the guideposts for my Atreides Parallax.

With this being a prologue, there is not a lot of information internal to the story that drives an understanding of the items that are introduced. Instead, cross references in the short preface are all we have to go on.

Based on these limitations, I was able to discern 7 key points that seem to be important at this stage of the story.

• The Bene Gesserit are students of history
• Muad’Dib is a central figure in the history of Arrakis
• Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV is the ruler during the times of Muad’Dib
• Arrakis is the central location for the tale we are embarking on
• Caladan is the birthplace of Muad’Dib
• Dune another name for Arrakis
• Princess Irulan wrote the manual of Muad’Dib

As you can see, the half dozen sentences that make up the Prologue are packed with information and provide a great starting point for my Atreides Parallax.

Parallax 1 Cheetah 1 | Atreides Parallax – Prologue