Siridar-Duke Minotauros Atreides (10059 AG-10163 AG) popularly called by his nickname, Duke Mintor, was the ruler of Caladan, and 266th Head of the House Atreides.
His other titles were Count Thuestes and Lord of Tantalos
Life
He was the son of Duke Minos ΙΧ Atreides and his concubine, Lady Katlin Kalun, full brother of Io Atreides and demi-brother of Paulos XVIII Atreides and other 5 siblings. Born in the Old Palace on Caladan, he was raised by his mother in her household on Nagge. He rarely saw his father and siblings except Io.
He showed great interest in simply things and like to talk with the gardener of the manor, Gerasimos Herakleidos and Serapheim Hippodes about things like flowers, gardening, horses and bulls.
Studies and marriage
When his father died in 10077 AG, his brother Paulos succeeded him; Mintor himself was named Count Chalcedony and Heir Presumptive. He asked his brother's permission to receive military training in order to represent the Duchy as an ambassador.
He spent the next 10 years studying weapons, defense, politics and bull-fighting. He met 25 yrs old Lovisa Rogier, and was charmed by her wit. They married on Caladan, however she died childless. Mintor never married again and took Bekah as his Concubine.
He was awarded the Emperor's Cross in 10109 AG.
Rule
In 10116 AG his brother Duke Paulos died having fathered only unaknowledged bastards with no legal rights to the throne; Mintor succeeded him.
As a Duke, Mintor was named to the special panel convened by Elrood IX in 10134 AG to decide the succession of House Khumali. Eventually he had his only son, Leto with Bekah who died in delivery.
The Mentat Thufir Hawat, was brought into the employ of House Atreides by The Old Duke, where he remained a loyal servant for three sucessive generations. This could be seen as testament to The Old Duke's ability to inspire loyalty in his men, a classic Atreides trait.
When Leto was 16, he sent him as the Designated Observer for House Atreides to the revolt at Mask Prime.
He also built a Carrida near his old home on Nagge. He died in the bullring at the age of 104 by El Muerte. His son avenged his death and never entered the Carrida again.
Character
Mintor was tall, not considered handsome, and had a queer sense of humor. He used to crack his lips at a side-splitter. During his studying years he was famous especially among women and a wanted guest in parties.
Legacy
Although Paul Atreides was considered - and indeed considered himself - to be much like his father, it was said that Paul in actual fact more resembled the Old Duke in the manner in which he conducted himself. Duncan Idaho, Thufir Hawat, and Duke Leto I, had all observed how Paul's leadership style, certain movements he made, or phrases uttered by him were reminiscent of the Old Duke.
Behind the Scenes
There are scant references to the nineteenth Atreides Duke in Frank Herbert's Dune. These references involve mainly how he died, the bull's head, and essences of the man seen by others in Paul. In this book, he is only referred to as "The Old Duke". The name of Paulus Atreides and a history of the man were detailed in the Prelude to Dune prequel books.
| Preceded by Paulos XVIII Atreides |
Siridar-Duke of Caladan 10116 AG - 10163 AG |
Succeeded by Leto I Atreides |