In Dune there is a clear emphasis on the power of religion in society. Frank Herbert repeatedly explores in this book how important religion is when it comes to control, with the idea of ​​prophecy and messianic suggestion. The main character, Paul, is often considered some kind of supernatural human being and is in turn glorified and protected. After being crowned messiah by multiple prophecies, Paul is called Muad'Dib, which means “mouse.” Herbert uses this name to exemplify Paul as resilient and admirable; however, the more it is taken apart, the more the deception and deception is revealed. Paul is no more a messiah than he is an honest man. Herbert's “true” definition of Muad'Dib is that of an adapted kangaroo rat; however, he slowly builds the name until it becomes exactly what Paul called it. Over the course of the novel, Muad'Dib takes on the form of power and control. However, it would be a mistake to fall into the trap of agreeing with this. Muad'Dib remains a mouse throughout the story, a mouse who has adapted to the ways of the desert, as Paul did. Not once is it mentioned that this mouse had supernatural powers, only that it adapted. Paul is not the product of some God-given gift nor is he a prophesied messiah; he is Muad'Dib. Paul is simply a mouse who was thrown into the desert and forced to adapt to survive. The Fremen see him as "Lisan al-Gaib" and the Bene Gesserit see him as their "Kwisatz Haderach", but he is none of those things. Paul is Muad'Dib. Paul is the desert mouse who used religion and perception to trick people into calling him other similar names. He used their hope and naivety to his advantage. His divine call wasn't just that... middle of paper... Muad'Dib is the prophet or messiah everyone is looking for. What is not realized is that the true prophecies are those of the “Lisan al-Gaib” and the “Kwisatz Haderach”. Not once is it mentioned that a mouse was once prophesied as the next messiah. It simply cannot be, Muad'Dib is not the name of any prophet. Muad'Dib is the name of a leader. Muad'Dib is survival of the fittest. Works Cited Devlin, William J., and Shai Biderman. The philosophy of David Lynch. Lexington, KY: U of Kentucky P, 2011. Print.Herbert, Frank. Dune. New York: Ace, 1990. Print.List, Julia. “Call Me Protestant”: Liberal Christianity, Individualism, and the Messiah in “Stranger in a Strange Land,” “Dune,” and “Lord Of Light.” Science Fiction Studies 36.1 (2009): 21-47. Literary reference center. Network. October 25, 2013.O'Reilly, Tim. Frank Herbert. New York: Ungar, 1981. Print.