Bene Gesserit

An ancient Sisterhood central to all the Dune novels, the Bene Gesserit is here shown as more a faction than a family. Led by a monarchical Reverend Mother, the order is bound by the common experience of a Spice Agony that either kills or confirms a postulant as a Reverend Mother. The experience also opens to them Other Memories of illustrious predecessors. In this novel, the Bene Gesserit are led by Darwi Odrade, who succeeds her friend and mentor, Alma Mavis Taraza, after her murder in Heretics of Dune. Each Mother Superior appears to be particularly open to communication with her predecessor, who, relieved of the burden of leadership, finds it amusing. The Sisterhood has always prized learning and seeks every opportunity to teach humankind how to survive. They are currently being hunted to extinction, however, and are down to a handful of surviving planets. Much...