Original artwork, not a still
Dune • 1965
The Litany Against Fear, Dune (1965)
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
This is the surrender-and-survive part of the litany: fear is not fought, it is allowed to move through you like weather. It has become a mantra for anxiety and a shorthand for sci-fi stoicism. People use it because it works as a breathing exercise.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for DuneShow the scene
The litany's turning point comes in the gom jabbar scene on Caladan in Book One. Paul Atreides has his right hand inside the Reverend Mother's pain box. He has just promised himself to face his fear, and now says that he will permit it to pass over him and through him. The litany then continues that when it has gone past he will turn the inner eye to see its path, and where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only he will remain. Later screen versions reword the litany slightly.
Sources (2)
- Dune Wiki: Litany Against FearContent of the Litany; Behind the ScenesReference checked
- Wikiquote: DuneBene Gesserit sectionReference checked
Context reviewed
