God Emperor of Dune – Entry #6

Collage depicting the ancient city of Jerusalem
nestled in the desert hills.
Artwork by Dawn Marnell.

There were so many interesting conversations during Leto’s “test” of Siona out in the desert.  Siona asked many probing questions.  When Siona asked if Leto had a personal religion, Leto thought to himself how “[i]t had always astonished him how a desert provoked thoughts of religion” (God Emperor of Dune, p. 311).  I have felt that way, especially during my visits to Israel.  Somehow the desert makes it more natural to have a personal relationship with God.

That's me, with our tour guide Zvi, overlooking the Wilderness of Zin ... the desert that the Hebrews wandered in led by Moses for forty years until finally allowed into the land of milk and honey. (1987)

Then Siona pressed Leto about what he believes and his reply is: “I believe that something cannot emerge from nothing without divine intervention” (God Emperor of Dune, p. 311).  Siona does not understand so Leto expands on the notion saying: “Nature makes no leaps” (God Emperor of Dune, p. 311).  A beautiful and simple statement yet it leaves one with much to think about.

Meanwhile, back at the Citadel, a disturbed and frustrated Duncan picks a fight with Moneo.  Duncan lunges at Moneo with a knife and Moneo easily sidestepped Duncan and spilled him onto the floor.  Duncan, Swordmaster of Ginaz, easily dispensed with by a comparatively old man!  Moneo could see the shock.  And then Moneo stabbed him with these words:

“He has been breeding us for a long time, Duncan, strengthening many things in us.  He has bred us for speed, for intelligence, for self-restraint, for sensitivity.  You’re … you’re just an older model.”

(God Emperor of Dune, p. 311)