Mastering the Art of Sandworm Riding: The Fremen's Secret
Discover the mysterious techniques the Fremen use to ride and command the colossal sandworms of the desert.
Spoilers are ahead for Dune: Part Two.
Dune: Part Two explores the Fremen's connection with sandworms more deeply, particularly how they ride them. However, the process of mounting and dismounting these autotrophic creatures remains a bit unclear. In the first part of Denis Villeneuve's Dune, the sandworms only appeared briefly on screen for about a minute and a half, surprising fans who expected more given their importance in the overall lore of the franchise. Despite this limited screen time, Villeneuve successfully built anticipation for their role in Dune: Part Two.
The Fremen in Dune: Part Two do not shy away from showcasing their unique bond with the sandworms. This film provides a closer look at how they interact with these massive creatures and the intricate methods they use to ride and control them. Despite the efforts to demonstrate this symbiotic relationship, there are still some aspects that could be clearer regarding how the Fremen and sandworms collaborate seamlessly.
What the Dune books and movies reveal
Timothée Chalamet looking serious as Paul Atreides juxtaposed with Paul riding a sandworm in Dune Part Two - What the Dune books and movies reveal - How Fremen Get On (& Ride) Sandworms
Riding the sandworms is a crucial skill that all Fremen must learn before the age of 12. To prove his Fremen status, Paul Atreides trains with Stilgar to master worm-riding. In Dune 2, Paul uses a thumper to lure a sandworm with rhythmic vibrations. When the worm is in position, he jumps on its back with "marker hooks."
The hooks grip the sandworms' scales, exposing the sensitive flesh underneath to the sand. By pulling back on the hooks, sand enters the scales, causing the worm to move the pulled scale up to avoid going underground. To prevent irritation from more sand, the worm maintains a straight path without twisting or turning. This technique not only helps the Fremen stay on the sandworm without falling off but also allows them to control the direction of movement by adjusting the scale exposure carefully.
How Does Someone Get Off A Sandworm?
Dune 3 will answer the mystery
Dune worm - Dune 3 will answer the mystery - How Does Someone Get Off A Sandworm?
In Dune: Part Two, we see how the Fremen ride sandworms to travel long distances, but it doesn't show how they get off. Director Denis Villeneuve hinted in an interview that he has a plan to depict this, but may not reveal it in the movie. However, Frank Herbert's Children of Dune novel already gives some insight. In the book, a Fremen waits for the sandworm to get tired before dismounting.
Sandworms play a crucial role in the lives of the Fremen.
Importance of Sandworms to the Fremen
They have a deep history in Arrakis
Rebecca Ferguson, Timothee Chalamet; Dune Part 2 - They have a deep history in Arrakis - Why Sandworms Are So Important To The Fremen
Sandworms hold great cultural significance for the Fremen besides just being used for transportation. The origins of these creatures remain largely unknown, but many groups in the Dune universe, like the Fremen, heavily rely on the spice melange produced by them. The harsh weather conditions on Arrakis play a crucial role in the spice production process. The pre-spice mass needed for the final spice melange is formed when larval sandworms' fungal excretions mix with the planet's groundwater. This mixture, when exposed to Arrakis' extreme heat and high-pressure winds, transforms into the final spice.
In the Zensunni religious belief system, sandworms represent the One God, which is why they are also known as The Maker or Shai-Hulud (which roughly translates to "Old Man of the Desert" or "Old Father Eternity").
The Fremen view the sandworms as spiritual symbols in their culture. In the Zensunni religious belief system, these creatures represent the One God and are also known as The Maker or Shai-Hulud (which means "Old Man of the Desert" or "Old Father Eternity"). With such rich lore surrounding the sandworms, the Dune live-action franchise has the potential for a spin-off that delves into their origins and the first Fremen, Selim Wormride, who learned to ride them.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the symbiotic relationship between the Fremen and the sandworms in the Dune universe. The detailed description of the worm-riding technique, involving thumper vibrations and marker hooks, showcases the intricate methods used by the Fremen to control these massive creatures. However, the omission of how the Fremen dismount the sandworms leaves a slight curiosity that will hopefully be addressed in future installments of the franchise.
The article also highlights the cultural significance of sandworms to the Fremen, exploring their role in the Zensunni religious belief system and their connection to the production of the valuable spice melange. The potential for a spin-off delving into the origins of the sandworms and the first Fremen who rode them adds an exciting dimension to the Dune franchise, promising further exploration of this captivating world and its enigmatic inhabitants.
