MuadDib

Muad'Dib is a fictional name used in Frank Herbert's Dune series. It is the Fremen name adopted by Paul Atreides after he joins the desert-dwelling Fremen and selects the desert mouse as a totem. The word comes from the Fremen language and designates the desert mouse, an animal admired for its resilience and adaptability in the harsh desert environment.

The adoption of the name marks Paul's transformation from noble heir to the Fremen's leader and messianic figure. As Muad'Dib, he unites the Fremen, leads a campaign against the imperial regime and the Harkonnens, and rises to power as ruler of the known universe. His prescience and political acumen enable a religiously infused movement that reshapes galactic politics and triggers the era of the later empire.

In-universe, Muad'Dib becomes a symbol of survival, cunning, and authority within Fremen culture and beyond. The name is associated with his leadership and with the broader consequences of his actions, including the Fremen's jihad and the ripple effects across civilizations.

In adaptations, Muad'Dib is portrayed as Paul Atreides across multiple media. Notable depictions include the 1984 film Dune, where Paul is played by Kyle MacLachlan, and the 2021 film Dune, where Paul is played by Timothée Chalamet, as well as various miniseries.

The term Muad'Dib remains a central reference point in discussions of the Dune saga, illustrating themes of prophecy, power, and the costs of revolutionary change.