Prologue

A beginning is a very delicate time.

Know then, that is is the year 10191.

The known universe is ruled by the Padishah Emperor

Shaddam the Fourth, my father.

In this time, the most precious substance in the universe

is the spice Melange.

The spice extends life. The spice expands consciousness.

The spice is vital to space travel.

The Spacing Guild and its navigators, who the spice has

mutated over 4000 years, use the orange spice gas, which

gives them the ability to fold space.

That is, travel to any part of the universe without

moving.

Oh, yes.

I forgot to tell you.

The spice exists on only one planet in the entire

universe.

A desolate, dry planet with vast deserts.

Hidden away within the rocks of these deserts are a

people known as the Fremen, who have long held a prophecy

that a man would come, a messiah, who would lead them to

true freedom.

The planet is Arrakis, also known as Dune.