Understanding the Reverend Mother's Label: Exploring Paul's Abomination in Dune 2
Delve into Dune 2 to unravel the significance of the Reverend Mother's unsettling term for Paul and its implications on his journey within the franchise.
In Dune 2, we continue to follow Paul Atreides’s journey as the Lisan Al’Gaib seeking revenge against the Harkonnens. This is the reason why the Reverend Mother refers to him as an abomination.
When we last saw Paul, he was struggling to accept his role in fulfilling the Fremen prophecy. They believe he is the chosen one, the Lisan Al’Gaib, destined to lead them to paradise. As we enter Dune 2, Paul remains firm in his refusal to be their leader.
Paul is faced with a challenging task he never wanted to do, but it is necessary to protect Chani and the Fremen. Dune 2 follows his journey as he transforms into the mahdi they have been waiting for, fulfilling a prophecy in a way that is deemed forbidden.
As Paul takes steps towards becoming the Lisan Al’Gaib, the Reverend Mother labels him as an abomination. Find out the reasons behind this shocking revelation in the following paragraphs. Warning: Spoilers ahead!
Why is Paul called an “abomination” in Dune 2?
Paul is referred to as an "abomination" by the Reverend Mother in Dune 2 because he broke sacred laws by consuming the Water of Life, a forbidden act for males.
According to the books, the Bene Gesserits give the name "Gholas" to those who cannot control their ego memories. These memories come from centuries of the sisterhood and are given to those who drink the Water of Life. The added emotional instability of the Gholas made them feared, as they lacked formal training on how to control memories and personalities dating back centuries.
When Feyd-Rautha is given control of Arrakis and tasked with taking care of the Fremen, he attacks their main seitch. This is where they collect the sacred water harvested from dead Fremen. Up until then, Paul has become accustomed to spice. His visions warn him that going to the south would lead to pain and suffering.
Related:
Top 10 anime with the best story
After the attack, Paul has no choice but to win over the Fremen of the south to his cause. His mother, now a Reverend Mother, had visited a sacred sietch where they create the Water of Life. She warns the handler that a man will come to drink it, but the handler warns that it’s forbidden for men to drink.
When Paul arrives, he drinks the Water of Life to gain full clarity on the future. He lives and fulfills the prophecy of the Lisan Al’Gaib. Later on, Paul and the Fremen ambush the Emperor and the Harkonnens on Arrakis. Paul uses the voice on Reverend Mother and she calls Paul an “abomination.”
Dune 2 has an Easter Egg with another “abomination” character
Paul was perceived as a challenge right from the start because he was supposed to be born female. Additionally, his mother went against Gesserit law by instructing him in their traditions. He defied norms by consuming the Water of Life as a male and living through it. He also possesses centuries worth of genetic memories.
Reverend Mother refers to Paul as an abomination, but director Denis Villeneuve hints at a connection to Alia Atreides from the original books. In a scene, the camera briefly shows Reverend Mother looking at a pregnant Jessica after calling Paul an abomination.
In the first movie, a major character from the books, Alia Atreides, was introduced. Paul could sense his mother's pregnancy, surprising her as no one else knew. In Dune 2, they fail to inform the Fremen about her pregnancy when she is forced to become the Reverend Mother and drink the Water of Life.
The dying Fremen Mother Reverend realizes the truth and exclaims in horror, "What have we done?" The Water of Life also granted the unborn child the ability to speak and think for herself. Throughout the movie, it is evident that she influences Jessica's decisions.
In the books, Alia Atreides is often viewed as an abomination. She was born from the Water of Life and carries memories from the Benne Gesserit. The books depict her as clever yet unpredictable and emotionally fragile because of her unique birth. Since she was young, she lacked the training needed to manage the different personalities and memories within her.
Editor's P/S:
The article delves into the complex reasons behind Paul's designation as an "abomination" in Dune 2, offering a compelling exploration of the forbidden nature of his actions and the consequences they entail. It highlights the conflict between the sacred laws of the Bene Gesserits and Paul's destiny as the Lisan Al'Gaib, showcasing the tension between tradition and the inevitable march of prophecy.
Furthermore, the article's exploration of the connection between Paul and Alia Atreides adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, hinting at a deeper, more complex tapestry that spans generations. By referencing the character's portrayal in the books, the article provides context for the potential significance of Alia's influence on Jessica's decisions, underscoring the intricate web of choices and consequences that drive the story forward.
