Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One brought a faithful adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel to the big screen. The sci-fi film set up a universe in the distant future; one with noble houses, political maneuvering, and the spice melange. We learned the Padishah Emperor wanted to remove House Harkonnen from Arrakis, the planet where the precious and valuable spice comes from, and install House Atreides. Already divided by an ancient feud, the Harkonnens and Atreides further clashed over this change. The move to Arrakis spelled disaster for House Atreides, leaving quite a lot on the shoulders of the young Paul. And along the way, we learned about the spice, Fremen, the Bene Gesserit, and more. And that’s just Part One!
Dune: Part Two will soon arrive in theaters, bringing more intrigue, prophecy, and sandworms. If you’d like more information on the key topics in the Dune universe, we have plenty of Dune explainers to help you out.
Everything You Need to Remember From Dune: Part One
Before you put your toe back in the sands of Arrakis, refresh your memory about how the story began: Here’s What Happened at the End of Dune: Part One—Main Character Deaths, Fates, and More, Explained
What Is Spice in Dune?
Spice is the most valuable substance in the Dune universe. Learn about its source, how it’s harvested, and its properties: What Is Spice in Dune and Why Is It Important?
Who Are the Bene Gesserit in Dune?
Lady Jessica is a Bene Gesserit. We see the Reverend Mother of the organization visit Jessica and her son Paul before they leave Caladan for Arrakis. Learn about the Bene Gesserit’s purposes, powers, and more: Who Are the Bene Gesserit in Dune?
What Is the Gom Jabbar Test of Humanity?
When Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam visits Jessica, she administers the Gom Jabbar Test for Humanity. Learn about the gom jabbar, the reason for the test, and why the Reverend Mother gives the test to Paul: What Is Dune‘s Mysterious Gom Jabbar Test?
What Is Dune‘s Litany Against Fear?
In Dune: Part One, we hear Lady Jessica say an adapted version of the Litany Against Fear. It’s from a Bene Gesserit rite. Learn the entire litany: What Is Dune‘s Litany Against Fear?
Who Are the Mentats in Dune?
Some people in the Dune universe are trained to basically be human computers known as Mentats. Learn about what Mentats can do and how one becomes a Mentat: Who Are the Mentats in Dune?
Everything You Need to Know About Arrakis from Dune
A desert planet, home of spice and the Fremen, Arrakis sits at the center of Dune. In fact, Arrakis also goes by Dune. Learn about Arrakis’ history, inhabitants, and more: Everything You Need to Know About Arrakis from Dune
Who Are the Fremen in Dune?
Fremen live on Arrakis in unknown numbers. They survive in the planet’s inhospitable desert. Learn more about their origins and their relationship with the spice melange: Who Are the Fremen in Dune?
What You Need to Know About Dune‘s Sandworms
The Fremen don’t live in Arrakis’ deserts alone. Sandworms call the vast dunes home, too. The massive creatures play a key role in the story. Learn more about where they live and why they’re so integral: What You Need to Know About Dune‘s Sandworms
What Is Dune‘s Kwisatz Haderach?
Dune is a Chosen One story, but in this tale, the Chosen One is called the Kwisatz Haderach. Learn the meaning of the phrase, why the Bene Gesserit want the Kwisatz Haderach, and if it’s Paul Atreides: What Is Dune‘s Kwisatz Haderach?
Glossary of Dune Terms
If you need to look up a word you heard in the film, we have you covered: A Glossary of Important Terms in Dune
Important Dune Characters
Warner Bros./Legendary
Didn’t quite get enough of the characters on-screen in Dune: Part One? Here you go: A Glossary of Every Important Character in Dune
Who Is Dune‘s Chani?
Chani, played by Zendaya, is a particularly important character in Dune: Who Is Dune‘s Chani? Everything You Need to Know
Who Is Dune‘s Feyd-Rautha?
Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen didn’t appear in Dune: Part One, but he plays a key role in Part Two: Who Is Feyd-Rautha From Dune? Everything You Need to Know
What About Margot Fenring?
Lady Margot Fenring is another character readers had to wait to see until Part Two. This is why she’s one to keep an eye on: Who Is Margot Fenring From Dune? Everything You Need to Know
Dune Pronunciation Guide
Talking about Dune with your friends? Get the names right with this guide: How to Pronounce Everything in Dune
Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.
More must-reads: