Dune: Prophecy is the latest addition to the Dune franchise, and HBO’s prequel series explores the origins of the Voice. The Voice is a crucial element in Frank Herbert’s original Dune novel and Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptations in 2021 and 2024, utilized by characters like Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica. Unlike in other sci-fi universes, Dune explores a future where the mind, not technology, has become the ultimate force of power, and the Bene Gesserit use that power to cast their influence over politics.
In the Dune movies, key characters demonstrate how a shift in the tone of a verbal command can activate the Voice, forcing someone to act against their will. It’s primarily used by the Bene Gesserit, but it’s a skill that can be developed like any other. Paul struggles to use the Voice in the first film, but by Dune 2’s climactic ending, he’s gained such proficiency in it that he’s able to use it to silence Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam.
The Voice Was Created By A Member Of The Bene Gessert, 10,000 Years Before Dune
Valya Harkonnen Is Shown Using The Voice As A New Technique In Dune: Prophecy
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Dune: Prophecy takes viewers on a journey 10,000 years earlier on the Dune timeline than the movies, examining the organization that would eventually be known as the Bene Gesserit. The first episode sees the main protagonist, Valya Harkonnen, come into conflict with a rival Sister, Dorotea, for leadership after the original Mother Superior, Raquella Berto-Anirul, passes away. Valya believes she’s meant to carry out the ideals of the Mother Superior and uses the Voice for the first time to force Dorotea to kill herself. She explains that it’s something she’s been working on but doesn’t provide much else.
In the first episode of the show, the Sisterhood are used by nobles as “Truthsayers,” as they have advanced perception and can tell when someone is lying. The Voice was an ability developed over time, and according to the expanded book universe by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, it was first introduced by Raquella Berto-Anirul before being fully developed by Valya Harkonnen. If Dune: Prophecy continues to explore its flashback timeline, this could be material for them to cover.
How Powerful Is The Voice, Exactly?
The Mind Can Be Trained To Withstand The Voice
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The Voice is an extraordinarily powerful technique in the Dune universe, and it typically pertains to the power of its wielder. A mind can be trained to protect against the Voice, such as Duncan Idaho’s in the Dune books. A common comparison point is the Force from Star Wars and the use of the Jedi mind trick. While the mind trick seems to have more versatile uses due to the mystical nature of the Force, the Voice is probably more potent and can be used on more intelligent targets. Maybe Dune: Prophecy will provide some more insight into its capabilities.