Dune: What is Spice? Melange explained 

In Dune, the planet of Arrakis is highly sought after, as it is rich in Spice Melange – but what is it and why does the Imperium rely on it?

In the original books by Frank Herbert and the movies, Arrakis is one of the most valuable planets in the universe on account of its Spice. Its desert terrain makes it nearly uninhabitable except for the native Fremen who know its ways and adapted to the environment.

The Dune story begins when Duke Leto Atreides is given control of Arrakis from the Harkonnens. His mission is to restore Spice production and create an alliance with the Fremen. It proves difficult as the Fremen see Spice Melange as a holy substance. Dune 2 begins a war on Arrakis over who controls it.

Spice Melange is at the heart of the Dune story – here’s why it’s so important and what it does.

What is Spice Melange in Dune?

Spice is a natural, addictive substance that originates from sandworm excretion deep beneath the sand. This reacts with water and the planet’s extreme heat to create it.

Warner Bros.

In the first book, the importance of harboring spice is alluded to by Baron Harkonnen when he says, “He who controls Spice, controls the universe.” David Lynch’s 1984 Dune opens with, “The Spice extends life. the Spice expands consciousness. The Spice is vital to space travel.”

Spice permeates throughout Arrakis, appearing in the movies as reddish flecks in the air and sand. It forms when the sandworms’ fungal excretions mix with water, creating a mass that explodes in Arrakis’ extreme heat, resulting in Spice. Special-made machinery harvests Spice from the planet while avoiding sandworms.

In Dune, it’s made clear that Spice is highly addictive and has many beneficial properties. While reddish in color, long-term consumption of it causes a person’s eyes to turn a vibrant blue. With the Fremen being native to Arrakis and living in the desert, they are exposed to Spice. It’s in the air they breathe, the food they eat, and harvest it themselves.

But why is Spice so sought after in Dune? Spice can extend life, psychotropic abilites, and prescience. Prescience is the ability to see the past, present, and future. For the Imperium it’s a valuable substance as its prescience abilities also allow for safe space travel.

The Spacing Guild Navigators convert Spice into gas and ingest it to see through time and space and avoid collisions. The Bene Gesserit uses its psychotropic properties to gain clairvoyance and witch-like powers. When Paul arrives in Arrakis, his exposure to Spice kickstarts his visions when trying to save mining workers from a sandworm in Dune.

The war on Arrakis is centered around who controls Spice and determines the future of the Fremen, Paul, and the Imperium. Having control over Spice Melange equals wealth and power.

Dune: Part Two is in cinemas now. You can check out our other coverage below:

Dune 2 review | Dune 2 ending explained | Best Easter eggs | Is there a post-credits scene? | When to pee during Dune 2 | Dune 2 runtime | How to watch Dune 2 | When does Dune 2 take place? | Is Dune Messiah happening? | Who dies in Dune: Part Two? | What language do the Fremen speak?