Other major power-brokers that enliven the story are the Bene Gesserit, an organization of women who are able to use telepathic powers to control events; the Trading Guild which has a monopoly on all trade, travel and communication throughout the galaxies (note: similar to the Trade Federation in Phantom Menace); and the Tleilaxu (not too sure if this is the correct name), a body that dealt in mystical technologies and science. The interests of these various factions, additionally with that of the Fremen, often conflict and these clashes of interests add greater complexity to the plot. Foundation also incorporates conflicting agendas, but not to the same extent.
Religious Iconography
All three of these stories contain religion as a greatly influential force in the power structure. The use of religion is a deliberate and calculated move in Hardin's foreign policy to secure the Foundation's power over the other States. However, religious control comprises only a small part of the saga, as it is quickly replaced by economic control. The Jedi Council is a quasi-religious organization featured in Star Wars; in which the Jedi Knights wear the traditional attire of monks. However, contradicting the non-violent doctrine of monks, the Jedi Knights are armed with light sabres, combining religion with the chivalry code. This conveys a Medieval feel in a futuristic setting. The Force (of the Light) and the Dark Path fit into the universal religious ideology that consists of the constant struggle between good and evil. This struggle, conveyed by the use of religion, delivers the action and entertainment that are demanded of film.
However, although religion can be considered a secondary constituent in these two, it is the chief element that foregrounds the story of Dune. Paul Atreides, who later becomes the Prophet, was the resulting product of centuries of noble breeding manipulated by the Bene Gesserit. They had aimed to produce the Kwisatz Haderach, “One who can be many places at once”. He is a human with extraordinary mental powers that would permit him to understand and use higher order dimensions. Before being sent to Arrakis, Paul was already adept in the Bene Gesserit arts, such as the use of the Voice, a form of verbal-mental compulsion. Inhalation of the spice-laden air on Dune triggered his ability to see infinite futures, as well as what positive steps to take to make a particular future happen. It was the spice that would finally take him beyond the thresh-hold of all known power.
The demonstration of his hard persistence and ability to lead won him great respect from the fiercely independent Fremen, who had despised the rule of House Harkonnen. They were a desert people, made harsh by the formidable and often hostile environment. Hence, they were quick to despise non-natives, considering them "soft and weak" unless and until they proved otherwise. However, never had they seen a foreigner like Paul. His unique mental and physical abilities, and his character that held such profound depth and dimension (belying his youth) impressed them so much that they soon regarded him as a near-divinity. He was the Prophet, Muad'Dib, all his words and actions were decreed by heaven. And if he urged them to fight the hated Harkonnens, (who had killed his father), then it was declared jihad, a holy war. In the novel, Paul does not seem to have actively promoted or even encouraged his status of holiness (unlike the ulterior objectives of Hardin's priesthood). Yet, he also did not stop this eventuality, knowing it to be a path leading to a future where he could avenge his father, purge the Harkonnens from existence, seize the sovereignty of Dune and hence the Empire, and also gift the Fremen (whom he soon regarded as his own people) with freedom.
There are some parallels between Paul as the Prophet with the founders of two major religions in today's world. Christianity and Islam can be construed as religions that arose from a desert environment, containing many symbols and icons of the fierce and nomadic desert peoples. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the saviour who came to free mankind. His coming was portended by many prophets who spoke as voices from the desert, John the Baptist being the most prominent. This is similar to Paul who was prophesized by the Fremen to come and relieve them from the Harkonnens' yoke. Paul being called the Prophet also reflects the title given to Mohammad. The Fremen themselves could be likened to the Arabs, with the tendency to be easily caught up in mass religious fervour and to declare the holy jihad on all unbelievers. These traits allowed them to forge an Arabic empire spanning from Spain to Arabian Peninsula in the Middle Ages.
