arrakis

Arrakis, also known as Dune, is a desert planet in the science fiction setting created by Frank Herbert. It is the only known source of melange, or spice, a substance indispensable for interstellar travel, extended lifespans, and heightened prescience.

Geographically, Arrakis is an extremely arid world dominated by vast dune seas, with extreme temperatures and scarce surface water. Its ecology and climate are shaped by wind-driven sands, and its inhabitants rely on stillsuits and strict water-conservation practices. The planet has two moons.

Ecology plays a central role on Arrakis. The desert hosts giant sandworms (Shai-Hulud) whose life cycle is linked to spice production. The environment supports native Fremen communities, whose culture emphasizes water discipline and adaptation to harsh conditions.

Politics and society revolve around control of the planet's valuable resource. Spice production underwrites space travel and economic power managed by major factions within the empire, including rival noble houses and the Spacing Guild. Governance has shifted among imperial authorities and various houses, with the native Fremen playing a significant and increasingly influential role in the planet’s political dynamics.

Economy and culture center on the spice trade. The spice economy drives interstellar commerce and strategic conflict, shaping governance and imperial politics. Fremen culture, religion, and survival practices reflect the planet’s harsh ecology, while harvesting operations and governance efforts continually define Arrakis’s ongoing strategic importance.