This article or section refers to elements from Original Dune |
Lisan al Gaib (translated as "Voice from the Outer World" and sometimes "Giver of Water") was the Fremen term for their offworld prophet or messiah.
Little did the Fremen realize that their messianic legends were little more than planted superstitions by the Bene Gesserit Missionaria Protectiva as a means of cultural manipulation for the Sisterhood's benefit.
The arrival of Paul Atreides and his Bene Gesserit mother on Arrakis brought much attention by believers in his role in their prophecy.
Trivia[]
- The Persian poet of mysticism Hafez (1315-1390) was referred to by this same title.
- The term may come from the Arabic لسان الغيب (lisaan al-ghaib) or "tongue of the unseen/missing."
- Herbert possibly intended to reference the metaphysical Sufi application of الغيب, which has been conjectured to connote the "unseen dimensions of Reality." If so, Lisan al Gaib may indicate that one is a "prophet" rather than a "foreigner." That said, Herbert rarely drew from extant language or concept without a degree of obfuscation and amalgamation.
- It may also reference the word الغريب (al-gariib), meaning "strange(r)," "otherworldly" or "weird" - a connection supported by early Modern English definitions of weird, the Fremen reference to Jessica as a witch, and the fact that Paul defined himself as a "freak" in the wake of his exile from Arrakeen. Taken in combination, Lisan al Gaib may be understood to mean "that who is alien" (both geographically and physically) and those who speak with supernatural power and insight into the unknown.