Man-made divinity in Sci-Fi : an exploration of Leto II Atreides in Frank Herbert’s God Emperor of Dune as reflection and reimagining of the christian trinity

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the role and function of Leto II Atreides as a god figure in Frank Herbert’s God Emperor of Dune (1981). This science fiction (SF) novel explores Herbert’s prevailing assertion – seen also in many of his other SF works – that messianic and super-heroic characters are dangerous to humanity and human societies. In this discussion, the eponymous God Emperor of Dune is compared to the western theistic understanding of what constitutes ‘God,’ and is also analysed in terms of his function within a futuristic yet relatable setting.

To best address these two main aspects, the discussion is divided into three distinct chapters. The first chapter presents the theoretical nature of SF and why, as per Darko Suvin’s notions of cognitive estrangement, this genre is well suited to explore contemporary issues and concerns. Reflecting on these concerns may need to happen at a remove, but not in total isolation from the issues themselves; this is a characteristic and function of this genre. This chapter will also offer an interpretation of the Christian God’s functions and capabilities, and how these provide the foundation for our understanding of Leto II as a purportedly divine figure.

Close reading and critical analysis of the primary text take place from the second chapter. This chapter will look at what caused Leto II’s ascent, why this ascent is considered necessary, and how he compares to various factors that characterise western theistic godhood. These include omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience and eternality, as well as the reflection on Leto II as a SF mirror of the Christian trinity. The final chapter focuses on Leto II’s Golden Path, and the way towards humanity’s future salvation.

The novel The Gunmen and the Mirror, the creative component of this M.A. in Creative Writing, is thematically linked to the concept of messianic saviour figures and their function in society. The female protagonist has similar characteristics to Leto II’s carefully bred female saviour, Siona Atreides, in terms of unwillingness to conform and rebellion against a role decided for her by society, religion, and other manipulative authority figures. The novel explores the concept of not only the problematic rationale for a saviour figure, but also expands on the idea of a female messiah.