As Dune earns its way into the next generation of epic movie franchises, the correlations between the sci-fi film and the long reining masterpiece of the Lord of the Rings trilogy are worth diving into.

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Although Dune is set on the futuristic planet of Arrakis, its characters have striking comparisons with those who occupy Lord of the Ring's Middle Earth. Whether they share each other's fatal flaws or all-encompassing strengths, the characters of the Dune and Lord of the Rings films uphold their authentic qualities just as the legendary minds of Frank Herbert and J.R.R. Tolkien created them.

The Baron Vladimir Harkonnen - Saruman the White

Split image showing the Baron in Dune and Saruman in TLotR

Known as the ruler of House Harkonnen, Vladimir Harkonnen received help to raid the planet of Arrakis and defeat the House of Atreides from the Padishah Emperor (who isn't visually shown in the film but is thoroughly mentioned ). His cunning and vile actions have led him to a position of dark power, much like that of Saruman.

Saruman the White unleashes death and destruction in Middle Earth to bring back the Dark Lord Sauron. Just as Harkonnen tries to diminish the Fremen on Arrakis, Saruman shows his dominance by tormenting the people of Rohan. Even though their physical appearances are vastly different, Saruman and Harkonnen share deep interests in personal gain and vast power, no matter how many lives are taken in the process.

Dr. Wellington Yueh - Boromir 

Split image showing Dr. Yueh in Dune and Boromir in TLotR

As a trusted ally of the Atreides family, Dr. Yueh betrays them in fear of Harkonnen's threat to murder his wife. His loyalty to Duke Leto, however, is proven when he gives Leto the chance to kill Baron Harkonnen with poisonous gas and help Paul and Lady Jessica escape to the desert. Dr. Yueh's internal conflict between good and evil ultimately leads to his demise as Harkonnen kills him for being a traitor.

The character of Boromir mirrors the same struggles of loyalty and betrayal as he is tempted by the power of the ring and confronts Frodo to give it to him. Like Dr. Yueh, Boromir selflessly thinks of his people of Gondor and all that they had suffered, but his desire for the ring's dark power briefly overtakes his loyalty to the Fellowship of the Ring.

Lady Jessica - Arwen 

Split image showing Lady Jessica in Dune and Arwen in LotR

With a strong mothering spirit, Lady Jessica protects her son, Paul, and teaches him the ways of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful female group that practices the mystical powers of mental and physical strength. Though she struggles with the fear of her son's fate, Lady Jessica's bravery and skillful powers make her a beloved and pivotal character in the world of Dune.

Likewise, Arwen, daughter of the lord of Rivendell, uses her magical capabilities of incantations and visions to save Frodo from the Black Riders of Bruinen. Lady Jessica and Arwen play vital roles within these films as they offer wondrous powers to help the protagonists fight against the dark forces that threaten their sacred worlds.

Duncan Idaho - Aragorn 

Split image showing Duncan Idaho in Dune and Aragorn in LotR

Considered as one of Dune's most notable characters, Duncan Idaho is an exceptional soldier to the House of Atreides and Paul's best friend. Not only is he a master in the art of combat and swordsmanship, but his allegiance to the Atreides family goes beyond any other character in the film.

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In LOTR, Aragorn, the true heir of King Isildur of Gondor, rises to the challenge to help Frodo Baggins destroy the ring and Sauron's reigning terror over Middle Earth. Similar to Duncan, Aragon is a skilled swordsman and a devoted friend, despite the powerful temptations of the ring. Both Duncan and Aragorn embody the admirable qualities of the heartfelt warrior who triumphs in protecting the protagonist.

Mother Gaius - Elrond 

Split image showing Moither Gaius in Dune and Elrond in LotR

After witnessing the strength of Paul's endurance to pain during the iconic Gom Jabbar scene, Mother Gaius' doubts about Paul's true identity begin to fade. As the Reverend Mother of the Bene Gesserit, Mother Gaius is seen as a leader with foreseen knowledge of the events to come and is strongly opposed to the idea that Paul is the messiah, as she believes that all men are weak, but leads a path to continue to test him.

Elrond's characteristics are not as hostile as Mother Gaius', but his trust in the race of men is also very doubtful, especially when it comes to destroying the ring. With the elvish gift of foresight, Elrond can see past other lands in Middle Earth, and because of this power, he can provide wise counsel. It is interesting to see the personifications of mystery and magic between the characters of Mother Gaius and Elrond as they are both essential leaders within the most elite groups of their realities.

The Padishah Emperor - Lord Sauron

The Eye of Sauron in The Lord of the Rings

Even though his whole form isn't shown in Dune, the Padishah Emperor is mentioned throughout the film as he orchestrates the destruction of the House of Atreides through Harkonnen's ruthless armies. This mysterious figure is known for appointing leadership to different planets, but his moral principles are in question with the alliance of House Harkonnen.

The Dark Lord Sauron is visualized through the "Eye of Sauron" and his evil nature looms over all of Middle Earth, where he controls the Nazguls and orcs. The absent bodies of the Emperor in Dune and Sauron in LOTR make these villainous characters more terrifying because their presence is formless, yet ominous.

Duke Leto - Gandalf 

Split image showing Leto in Dune and Gandalf in LotR

Duke Leto is a beloved father and husband as well as the head of the House of Atreides. Even though he is tasked with overseeing the spice production on the new planet of Arrakis, he never compromises his time to teach Paul valuable lessons. His wisdom, compassion, and leadership made him a worthy ruler to Arrakis, and his spirit and counsel continue to live on with Paul after his death.

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Rightfully so, Gandalf the Grey (later becoming Gandalf the White) is a figure of goodness and sacrifice as he guides Frodo on his treacherous journey. As a great friend to dwarves, elves, and hobbits, Gandalf has the same charisma as Duke Leto through the way he teaches his companions about the values of life and fairness.

Glossu - Lord Of The Nazgul  

Split image showing Glossu in Dune and the Lord Nazgul in LotR

To become the ruler of the House of Harkonnen, Glossu is under the command of his uncle, Baron Harkonnen, and leads all the brutal attacks against the Fremen as well as on the surprise ambush on the House of Atreides. He might not be as clever as his uncle, but his strength and cruelty still threaten the safety of Paul and the Fremen on Arrakis.

Lord of the Nazgul, also known as the Witch-King of Angmar, leads the Nazgul and orcs into numerous battles throughout Middle Earth that eventually lead up to the ultimate fight against the Rohirrim. His frightening stature and violent methods align with Glossu's ruthless harm against innocent lives.

Chani - Eowyn

Split image showing Chani in Dune and Eowyn in LotR

Although her screen time was limited in Part One of Dune's franchise, Chani appears in Paul's visions and finally meets him in person at the end of the film. Within Paul's visions, Chani is free-spirited and encompasses words of wisdom and caution. Her qualities of intelligent wit and notable charm translate well into favorable heroin characteristics.

Eowyn, the niece of the King of Rohan, disguises herself as a male soldier in the last battle in LOTR's Return of the King and fights courageously against the Witch-King himself. Just like Chani's love for her people, Eowyn decides to go into the battle in order to bring peace to her kingdom.

Paul Atreides - Frodo Baggins 

Split image showing Paul in Dune and Frodo in LotR

At the center of a heroic journey, Paul has the combination of his parents' strongest traits (Lady Jessica's skill of 'The Voice' and Duke Leto's powerful leadership) as he seeks to fulfill his destiny as the "Mua'Dib".

The humble hobbit, Frodo Baggins, is chosen to destroy Lord Sauron's ring and has to withstand numerous trials to carry out his mission. Frodo and Paul have the necessary boldness, but share the same weakness of fear. Paul fears that he would choose the wrong path while Frodo resists the temptations of being overcome by the ring's dark powers. Ultimately, however, they learn to overcome these internal and external battles as they fight to bring peace and harmony to their worlds.

NEXT: Dune and Their Harry Potter Counterparts