butlerian-jihad

A pivotal two-generation conflict rejecting machine-logic and emphasizing human uniqueness, leading to widespread religious and social upheaval.

3 chapters across 2 books

This Immortal (1966)Roger Zelazny

4. The so-called Ancient Teachings — including those preserved by the Zensunni Wanderers from the first, second, and third Islamic movements; the Navachristianity of Chusuk, the Buddislamic Variants of the types dominant at Lankiveil and Sikun, the Blend Books of the Mahayana Lankavatara, the Zen Hekiganshu of III Delta Pavonis, the Tawrah and Talmudic Zabur surviving on Salusa Secundus, the pervasive Obeah Ritual, the Muadh Quran with its pure Ilm and Fiqh preserved among the pundi rice farmers of Caladan, the Hindu outcroppings found all through the universe in little pockets of insulated pyons, and finally, the Butlerian Jihad.

This chapter surveys the diverse ancient religious teachings preserved across the universe, highlighting their syncretic evolution influenced by space travel. It emphasizes how the experience of deep space altered religious perceptions, introducing ambiguity and new interpretations of creation. The chapter culminates with the Butlerian Jihad, a violent rejection of machine-logic and a catalyst for interfaith dialogue and consolidation under emerging powers like the Spacing Guild and Bene Gesserit.

Chapter 69

This chapter provides a glossary-style exposition of key terms and concepts relevant to the socio-political and religious landscape of the Dune universe. It defines significant historical events such as the Butlerian Jihad, as well as cultural artifacts like the Jubba cloak and institutional roles like the Judge of the Change. These entries collectively establish the foundational background for understanding the complex interplay of religion, technology, and governance in the narrative.

Dune (1965)Frank Herbert

4. The so-called Ancient Teachings—including those preserved by the Zensunni Wanderers from the first, second, and third Islamic movements; the Navachristianity of Chusuk, the Buddislamic Variants of the types dominant at Lankiveil and Sikun, the Blend Books of the Mahayana Lankavatara, the Zen Hekiganshu of III Delta Pavonis, the Tawrah and Talmudic Zabur surviving on Salusa Secundus, the pervasive Obeah Ritual, the Muadh Quran with its pure Ilm and Fiqh preserved among the pundi rice farmers of Caladan, the Hindu outcroppings found all through the universe in little pockets of insulated pyons, and finally, the Butlerian Jihad.

This chapter explores the diverse and syncretic religious traditions preserved across the universe prior to the Butlerian Jihad, emphasizing how space travel profoundly influenced religious thought by introducing a sense of cosmic anarchy and ambiguity. It highlights the reinterpretation of creation myths in the context of space colonization and the rise of sorceresses, culminating in the violent Butlerian Jihad which rejected machine-logic and led to ecumenical religious cooperation encouraged by emerging powers like the Spacing Guild and the Bene Gesserit.