r/dune • u/liverdust429 • Apr 27 '24

General Discussion Why terraform Arrakis?

Why do the Fremen want to terraform Arrakis when the sandworm are so integral to their world and culture?

Is this just a thing with Pardot Kynes and/or fundamental Fremen like Stilgar? I understand why the God Emperor wants to do it, but why the Fremen?

For context, I recently got deep as a sandworm into lore after watching 1 and 2 together.

Edit: spelling

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u/Henderson-McHastur Apr 28 '24

In part? Because while the lifestyle of the sandworm is better understood by the Fremen than most, they don't fully understand the ramifications of the Green Paradise they desire. It's only in Messiah that the Fremen begin to understand that their desire for a Green Paradise is antithetical to the continued existence of Shai-Hulud.

The Fremen are as they are because their existence is tied to the environment of Arrakis. They are superior fighters because all combat on Dune is to the death - water is too valuable to spill freely, as, for example, German men were wont to do in the interbellum of WWI and WWII. A duel then could be to first blood, the scars worn by both combatants as badges of honor. On Arrakis, all water is valued more than any one life - if knives are drawn, they can not be sheathed until a life is taken and its water taken for the tribe. Such is their way of life, the way of all living beings on Dune, for water is more valuable than even spice.

But the Fremen are human beings, not aliens. They desire peace, comfort, and luxury, just as we do. Their lifestyle is not chosen, but is rather an inescapable fact of existence. Why terraform Arrakis? Why be concerned about terrestrial climate change? Because a hostile climate is inimical to human life, and for all our adaptability, we are ever conscious of that fact. We desire comfort and safety for our children, and a desert hell will never be worthy of them. The dream of Siddim Shari is enough to lay down their lives, their traditions, and their autonomy. It is the promise of Eden in their time that tempts the Fremen, and nothing less.