Decoding the Lisan Al-Gaib Prophecy in Dune 2

Beware! This article includes spoilers for Dune: Part Two.

In Dune: Part Two, we delve further into the prophecy of the Lisan al Gaib, a messianic figure crucial to Paul Atreides' story. While Dune: Part One set the stage for the Lisan al Gaib prophecy, it mainly focused on the power struggles among House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and the Imperium led by House Corrino. However, as Dune: Part Two reaches its thrilling conclusion, the story delves even deeper into the prophecy of the Lisan al Gaib.

Lisan Al Gaib Is The Name Of The Fremen's Prophesied Messiah

In Dune: Part Two, the focus remains on Paul Atreides as he becomes integrated into the Fremen community on the desert planet of Arrakis. The storyline closely follows Frank Herbert's original novel, with some deviations, as it delves into Paul's journey among the Fremen and his discovery of the Lisan al Gaib prophecy. As the sequel hints at an impending Holy War, it is crucial to understand the significance of the Lisan al Gaib prophecy and its implications for Paul's destiny.

The Lisan al Gaib: Savior of Arrakis

In the world of Dune, the Lisan al Gaib is the legendary figure destined to rescue the people of Arrakis. This title, meaning "The Voice from the Outer World," is given to the prophesied messiah in Fremen culture. The Fremen believe that this chosen one, who comes from outside their community, will bring salvation to their land. Referred to as Mahdi, or "The One Who Will Lead Us To Paradise," the Lisan al Gaib is seen as a savior figure by the Fremen. While similar to other Chosen One prophecies in science fiction, the concept of the Lisan al Gaib in Dune has its own unique twists and turns.

Everything Known About The Lisan Al Gaib Prophecy

Lisan al Gaib, which can also mean "Giver of Water," is seen as a messianic figure by the Fremen who live in the desert.

The Chosen One in Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two

In Dune: Part Two, the Chosen One's story takes a unique turn with the involvement of the Bene Gesserit. These powerful witch-like beings support the noble houses in the world of Dune. The Bene Gesserit foresee the arrival of a figure known as the Kwisatz Haderach, a being of immense power. In the Dune universe, the Kwisatz Haderach and the Lisan al Gaib are essentially two names for the same prophesied individual.

The Bene Gesserit has been preparing for the arrival of Kwisatz Haderach and grooming the people of Arrakis for this significant event. They have spent decades on Arrakis, creating the prophecy of the Lisan al Gaib to ensure that when the time comes, the Fremen can help Kwisatz Haderach rise to power. In Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, this chosen one is revealed to be Paul Atreides. Originally, the Bene Gesserit had planned for the Kwisatz Haderach to come from the next generation after Paul. However, Jessica, Paul's mother, altered this plan, making her own son the prophesied figure.

Dune: Part Two delves deeper into these themes by following Paul's journey as he becomes part of the Fremen Sietch and experiences visions and dreams that foreshadow his transformation into the Lisan al Gaib.

The Lisan al Gaib prophecy from the Fremen's perspective suggests that the messianic figure will display specific signs to prove his identity. Firstly, the chosen one is described as an outsider with the rare ability known as the Voice, a characteristic that aligns with Paul's attributes. Additionally, it is foretold that the Lisan al Gaib will effortlessly adapt to the Fremen ways and master the power of the desert on Arrakis. In Dune: Part Two, Paul's journey among the Fremen Sietch unfolds, highlighting his progression towards fulfilling the prophecy as the Lisan al Gaib.

Alterations to the Prophecy in Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two

Despite following most of the main plot points from Frank Herbert's novel, Dune: Part Two introduces some changes to the Lisan al Gaib prophecy. One significant alteration made in the movie adaptation is related to Chani's role. Zendaya portrays Chani in Dune: Part Two and reveals her Fremen name, Sihaya, which translates to desert spring. She mentions a prophecy linked to her name that she doesn't fully believe in.

In Dune: Part Two, it is revealed that the Siyaha prophecy actually refers to the Lisan al Gaib. To fulfill his destiny as a messianic figure, Paul consumes the Water of Life, a deadly poison derived from Dune's sandworms. After falling into a deep sleep from the poison, it is discovered that Chani's tears, known as the tears of the desert spring, can be mixed with the Water of Life to bring Paul back to life. This unexpected role of Chani is essential in the final stages of Paul's transformation into the Lisan al Gaib, a significant deviation from the original Dune novel.

Another alteration to the Lisan al Gaib prophecy involves the beliefs of Paul's Fremen Sietch members. In Dune: Part Two, a subplot follows a group of Fremen from the northern region of Arrakis who doubt the existence of the messianic figure. These doubters are portrayed as the younger generation within the Sietch, contrasting with older members like Silgar who have unwavering faith in the prophecy. Interestingly, the film highlights that Fremen from the southern region of Arrakis are united in their belief in the Lisan al Gaib, without the division seen among the northern Fremen, a departure from the original book.

Was Paul Atreides Destined To Be The Lisan Al Gaib In Dune?

The Kwisatz Haderach could have been anyone, though Paul was placed on the path regardless.

Paul's journey into the Lisan al Gaib in Dune: Part Two makes us wonder if he was meant to do so. Although it may seem like he was destined for this role, it is actually not true. In Dune: Part One, it is hinted that anyone could have become the Lisan al Gaib. The Bene Gesserit believed that the Kwisatz Haderach was supposed to come from the generation after Paul, but Jessica's actions changed that by involving Paul.

The consequences of Jessica's decision to set Paul on the path of the Lisan al Gaib will be further explored in Dune: Part Three, if a third film is announced.

This shows that Paul was not meant to be the Lisan al Gaib, but he was still led towards that path. In Dune: Part Two, it is shown that Paul had a choice to not follow this path, as seen in his reluctance to start a Holy War based on the Lisan al Gaib prophecy. However, by the end of Dune: Part Two, Paul decides to embrace his destiny as the Kwisatz Haderach, fulfilling a prophecy that could have applied to anyone if the current Duke of House Atreides had chosen differently.

Editor's P/S:

The article provided an intriguing exploration of the Lisan al Gaib prophecy in "Dune: Part Two." The prophecy's significance for Paul Atreides' journey and its implications for the Fremen community were thoroughly examined. It was particularly insightful to learn about the connection between the Kwisatz Haderach and the Lisan al Gaib, as well as the Bene Gesserit's role in shaping the prophecy.

However, one aspect that could have been further expanded upon is the potential for the prophecy to be self-fulfilling. The article briefly mentions that Paul's reluctance to embrace the Holy War suggests he had a choice in the matter. Delving deeper into this idea of free will versus destiny would have added an even more nuanced layer to the discussion of the prophecy's role in Paul's journey. Overall, the article provided a comprehensive overview of the Lisan al Gaib prophecy and its impact on the story of "Dune: Part Two."