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Frank Herbert

41. The Burden Of Ancestral Memory

God Emperor Of Dune — Résumé 🇺🇸 English

The God Emperor Leto stands in the dark crypt with his majordomo Moneo, discussing the latest rebellious behaviour of the current Duncan. Moneo reports that the Duncan has been questioning guards about their origins and parentage, probing deeply into the lives of the governed much like ancient Atreides rulers. Leto explains that Duncans possess too much compassion and a fundamental misunderstanding of justice, believing the universe can be bent to individual will. As Leto speaks, he transitions into a critique of religious institutions, noting how they perpetuate a master-servant relationship and attract prideful power-seekers. He accuses Moneo of serving a human master rather than true divine order, emphasizing that a million wrongs cannot create a single enduring right. During their tense exchange, Leto startles Moneo by casually remarking that he had originally intended for the Ixian bride-to-be Hwi to mate with Moneo, though it is now too late. As Leto's massive body begins to undergo a violent physical transformation, he thrashes and heaves himself from his cart with sudden, terrifying speed. Fearing for his life, Moneo screams and flees toward the crypt entrance. The God Emperor's voice stops him just as he reaches the lift, shouting out his final command that he will test Siona tomorrow.