Discrepancies between Dune novels

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The collective Dune universe, as described by its creator Frank Herbert and in works authorized by Herbert or his heirs, is comprised of the six original novels by Frank Herbert, the prequel novels by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson and the two novels completing the original series, also written by Brian Herbert and Anderson. Despite their official and authorized nature, these works, like many works of literature, contain discrepancies both within works by the same author, and between the works by different authors.

In the specific case of The Dune Encyclopedia by Dr. Willis E. McNelly, it should be noted that, while Dr. McNelly was a close friend of Frank Herbert's, and his work written and published with Herbert's knowledge and permission, Frank Herbert did not consider it canon and did not hesitate to specifically contradict it in his later works.

Contents 1 Discrepancies within the original novels 2 Discrepancies between the original novels and prequels 3 Discrepancies among prequels 4 Notes

[edit] Discrepancies within the original novels

Shaddam's Birthdate: In the very first epigraph of Dune, Princess Irulan writes that Paul Atreides was "born in the 57th year of the Padishah Emperor, Shaddam IV." However, in the appendices of Dune it states that: "SHADDAM IV (10,134-10,202) The Padishah Emperor, 81st of his line (House Corrino) to occupy the Golden Lion Throne, reigned from 10,156 (date his father, Elrood IX, succumbed to chaumurky) until replaced by the 10,196 Regency set up in the name of his eldest daughter, Irulan." This would indicate that Paul was born in 10,191. However, this is the same year that the novel begins (with Paul already 15 years old, putting Paul's birthdate at 10,176). Similar confusion over Shaddam's age can be found in another passage from Dune: "My father, the Padishah Emperor, was 72 yet looked no more than 35 the year he encompassed the death of Duke Leto and gave Arrakis back to the Harkonnens" (although this later date is consistent with the claim that Paul was born in Shaddam IV's 57th year). Note: The Prelude to Dune prequels resolve this inconsistency by subtracting fifteen years from the birth dates of Shaddam IV and Count Hasimir Fenring.^{[citation needed]}

Lady Anirul's Death: In Count Fenring: A Profile (referenced via epigraph in Dune, Book Three, THE PROPHET), Princess Irulan writes:

The measure of Count Fenring's friendship may be seen first in a positive thing: he allayed the Landsraad's suspicions after the Arrakis Affair. It cost more than a billion solaris in spice bribes, so my mother said, and there were other gifts as well: slave women, royal honors, and tokens of rank.

This clearly suggests that Irulan's mother, Lady Anirul, was alive after the Arrakis Affair, which of course took place in 10,196 when Paul Atreides was a young man. However, in the appendices of Dune it says of Shaddam that "His wife, Anirul, a Bene Gesserit of Hidden Rank, died in 10,176" (the year of Paul's birth). This date of death is supported in the prequel Dune: House Corrino when Anirul is murdered by Piter De Vries while trying to save a newborn Paul (circa 10,176).^{[citation needed]}

Farok's Arm: In Dune Messiah a minor character named Farok is initially described with a missing arm: "Scytale returned his gaze to the old man [Farok], noted the empty sleeve dangling from the left shoulder and the lack of a stillsuit." Only a few paragraphs later, however, Farok has mysteriously regained his arm: ""Thrice blessed," Farok said, folding his hands into his lap in the ritual clasp. They were old, heavily veined hands." ^{[1][citation needed]}

Duncan Idaho - Ghola Memories: In Heretics of Dune, the Duncan Idaho ghola is initially awakened with his memories only up to the point of his original death in Dune (before Paul becomes Muad'Dib). However, he later speaks, prior to gaining the memories of his later incarnation, of being taught how to resist the Voice control of the Bene Gesserits: "I learned the way of that from Paul Muad'dib himself."^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Discrepancies between the original novels and prequels

Paul's Birthplace: In Dune it is established by Irulan's writings that Paul was born on Caladan: "Do not be deceived by the fact that he [Paul] was born on Caladan and lived his first fifteen years there." In House Corrino Paul is born on Kaitain. The official Dune website states that "Paul was born on Kaitain, but his naming ceremony was on Caladan. He was taken to Caladan very soon after his birth and this has always been considered his birthplace."^[2]

Jessica's History: In Dune, Duke Leto sends agents to buy Jessica: "Not since the day when the Duke's buyers had taken her [Jessica] from the school had she felt this frightened and unsure of herself." In Dune: House Harkonnen, the Bene Gesserit send Jessica to Duke Leto without his consent and he allows her to stay. On the official Dune website it is stated that the meeting scene between Leto and Jessica was written in Frank Herbert's notes and that the scene in House Harkonnen is congruent with it.^[2]

[edit] Discrepancies among prequels

Tio Holtzman: In Dune: House Atreides, the following is stated via epigraph:

Tio Holtzman was one of the most productive Ixian inventors on record. He often went on creative binges, locking himself up for months on end so that he could work without interruption. Sometimes upon emerging he required hospitalization, and there were constant concerns over his sanity and well-being. Holtzman died young — barely past thirty Standard Years — but the results of his efforts changed the galaxy forever. — Biographical Capsules, an Imperial filmbook

This is later contradicted by the events of the Legends of Dune series, which establish Holtzman as an older man living on Poritrin, with no indication of Ixian origins.^{[citation needed]}

House Ecaz: In Dune: House Atreides^[3], House Ecaz is led by a Duke Prad Vidal, who is noted as being an avowed enemy of the "Old Duke" Paulus Atreides. In the subsequent House Harkonnen and House Corrino prequels (written by the same authors), however, House Ecaz is led by Archduke Armand Ecaz, whose actions are continually cordial (to the extent of proposing a marriage alliance) in regard to House Atreides.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Notes

1. ^ Dune Messiah pg. 21, 22
2. ^ ^{a b} Dunenovels.com F.A.Q..
3. ^ Dune: House Atreides pg. 551, Hodder & Stoughton