Why Did Paul Atreides Go South? What Made Him?

Remember Paul Atreides from Dune, the long-expected leader? Some of the decisions he had to make! Following certain events’ taking place-and maybe a little misfortune-he chose the direction south into the desolate desert on the planet of Arrakis.

But why should he leave his northern base for the even more hazardous south? Why does Paul take this dangerous step, and what awaits him in southern sands?.

Why Did Paul Atreides Go South?

On the mercifulless desert planet of Arrakis, serious choices are in order for Paul Atreides. Their reward, after being brought to this desolate place, is betrayal and loss. It is here, on this planet, that Paul makes what seems to be an extremely rash and unconscionable decision: to go south into the most inhospitable area of the desert. This decision is not derived from wanderlust. It is a premeditated move, based on a powerful combination of fate, strategic gain, and personal fulfillment.

First, Paul is plagued by visions. Those visions, constant in their message, project him southward toward a place he must go to fulfill his own prophecy as the Kwisatz Haderach-a leader of unparalleled power and influence. To fail to heed these visions risks all that he will ever be.

Another strategic advantage of the south is that it is the domain of the Fremen-a hard, resourceful desert people adapted to survival in the harshest conditions. Their prowess as fighters is legendary, and Paul quickly realizes that his bid for gaining the Fremen’s support could be the key to defeating their brutal enemies, House Harkonnen. An alliance with them in this no-holds-barred game for power would be a game-changer.

And finally, there is the south-the crucible, a place of extreme physical and mental challenge. Paul, with his visions and his heavy sense of responsibility, might well think of the dangers of the south as the fiery trial to which he is called. Coming out on top of the brutal elements, proving himself worthy, he can emerge into the role of strong, hard leader that his destiny requires him to become.

Why Didn’t t Paul Atreides Stop the Jihad?

It’s one thing to try and describe the awkward position that Paul Atreides finds himself in at the climax of Dune: the horrific violence of an oppressive war-the Jihad-is enacted in his name. He tries to stop it, but all but unable to do so.

His visions are powerful, but they are glimpses, not a script. He sees the war, its horror etched in the future, yet he is helpless to stop it. Even an attempt to prevent it could end in disaster: “If he died before the war, his death could ignite the Fremen’s fanaticism and make the Jihad far bloodier.”.

Leading the Fremen, Paul is not a tyrant. Their faith in him runs deep, but their religious zeal may overrule his commands. They may be bound by their determination to fight, their path set on a collision course with war regardless of his attempts to steer them clear.

Paul is doomed. He foresee the destruction and yet he does not possess the absolute authority to prevent it. The war, nurtured with visions and a fanatic mindset, might well have become unavoidable right from the outset.

Final Thoughts

In other words, the journey south for Paul was not a Sunday picnic over the sand dunes. It was a risk impelled by mighty forces at work upon him. Visions impelled him south, suggesting therein lay the secret of his fate.

He also envisioned earning the Fremen’s deadly combat skills-a clear advantage over his enemies. Perhaps the dangers of the south had been Paul’s hardening for the untamed future awaiting him. South wasn’t a place; it was a stepping stone toward being the leader he was supposed to become.