The Litany Against Fear was an incantation spoken by many highly educated people who faced danger or fear during their everyday lives. The incantation helped focus their minds in times of peril.
Origin
An ancient form of the litany existed already during the Butlerian Jihad. A mantra of the City of Introspection went like this:
- "I have no fear, for fear is the little death that kills me over and over. Without fear, I die but once."
The final incantation was believed to have originated from the Bene Gesserit, who themselves faced great dangers during their extensive training.
Content of the Litany
The Litany was as follows:
- "I must not fear.
- Fear is the mind-killer.
- Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
- I will face my fear.
- I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
- And when it has gone past me I will turn to see fears path.
- Where the fear has gone there will be nothing......Only I will remain." ==References and notes==
Examples of Usage
Paul Atreides, the son of Duke Leto Atreides I, used the Litany when the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam compelled him to put his right hand in a device that causes pain as a test of his intellect. The litany helped him to withstand the excruciating agony.
Behind the Scenes
A slightly different version of this litany was used in the Dune miniseries and Children of Dune miniseries:
- "I will not fear.
- Fear is the mind-killer.
- I will face my fear.
- I will let it pass through me.
- Where the fear has gone,
- there shall be nothing.
- Only I will remain."
External links
- Litany Against Fear - a philosophical perspective
- Litany Against Fear - a philosophical perspective - (saved copy of original work)