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5 Reasons Why Paul Atreides is “The One” in Dune
Including 1 reason that the 2021 movie did not explain at all.
Although the entire Dune series is a cautionary criticism of the hero’s journey narrative, the first Dune book does indeed build up a quintessential hero for its audience to root for. The new Dune (2021) movie does a really great job of making you feel how important Paul Atreides is and that he will inevitably become “The One.” But what is so special about him? Why is he destined to be the chosen one? What’s so impressive about Paul’s story arc is that there is more than one reason — in fact, there are five.
1. Duke
Trained as a politician and a leader, Paul Atreides is destined to inherit his father’s fiefdom and become a powerful Duke of the Great House Atreides. From a young age, he is taught how to rule with power (sea power and desert power) and how to win over the hearts and minds of his people. He is taught by his father that people are more important than possessions and leaders can only be leaders if they have followers. To become the chosen one, Paul must be able to lead people who have developed blind faith in him.
2. Bene Gesserit
In addition to being a fledgling Duke, Paul is also the son of a powerful Bene Gesserit sister. In…
