‘Dune’: Exploring the Impact of Sandworms on Life in Arrakis

The ‘Dune’ universe stands out as one of the most captivating realms in science fiction, largely due to Frank Herbert’s genius in crafting a rich and intriguing setting. He masterfully intertwines advanced technology with age-old political and military ideals, creating an ecological profile of the harsh desert planet Arrakis that continues to engage audiences. The essence of Arrakis permeates every adaptation and instalment, with its formidable sandworms playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ films successfully capture what fans adore about Herbert’s original work, transforming a tale once deemed unfilmable into a cinematic experience that feels destined for the big screen. These two films have introduced a new generation of fans to the franchise’s depth, and anticipation is building for future sequels.

Image Courtesy: People

Arrakis is an unforgiving landscape, characterised by its endless deserts that would quickly dehydrate any unprepared visitor. Yet, surprisingly, its atmosphere is remarkably similar to Earth’s, containing slightly more oxygen despite the absence of surface water. How can a waterless planet boast such a breathable atmosphere? The answer lies in the sandworms, which are vital to sustaining human life. These colossal creatures feed on the sand, representing a unique form of autotrophic megafauna, and somehow convert the desert sands into the oxygen that fills the atmosphere. Without them, humans would need respiratory gear just to survive.

Interestingly, sandworms did not evolve on Arrakis but are descendants of creatures called sandtrouts. These beings came from an unknown origin and fundamentally changed Arrakis by consuming its surface water and creating the desert environment we see today. The cycle of sandtrouts and sandworms has significantly shaped Arrakis, reducing biodiversity to make way for these magnificent creatures.

Image Courtesy: People

When Paul Atreides ascended to the throne of the Golden Lion Emperor, he promised the Fremen a restoration of Arrakis to its former lush state. However, it was his son, Leto II, who truly began the process of terraforming the planet, transforming it into a verdant paradise. This drastic change posed a threat to the sandworms, leading to their near extinction. Leto’s Golden Path, which aimed to ensure humanity’s survival, necessitated this shift. 

After Leto II’s death, the ecosystem of Arrakis began to revert to its original state, resurrecting the sandworm species over the next 1,500 years. The environment returned to its familiar desert form, prompting humanity to spread across the universe—a journey known as the Scattering. The sandworms faced extinction yet again when a devastating weapon was unleashed on Arrakis, but a few survived, thanks to the resourcefulness of the Bene Gesserit.

Image Courtesy: Adam J. Middleton

The sandworms and their lifecycle have irrevocably shaped Arrakis into the brutal desert known to fans. The Fremen, who refer to them as “The Maker,” acknowledge the duality of these creatures—they create a harsh environment yet provide the essential oxygen for human survival. Everything on Arrakis ultimately revolves around the sandworms, embodying the intricate balance of destruction and sustenance within this remarkable universe.

–Farheen Ali 

loader