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Why did the Bene Gesserit want to breed the Kwisatz Haderach?

Science Fiction & Fantasy Asked on September 25, 2021

It’s been a while since I’ve read the Dune series. Something I was never quite clear on was why did the Bene Gesserit (BG) want to breed the Kwisatz Haderach (KH) at all?

I understand that the BG were only able to access matrilineal memories; but what did they seek to achieve by having access to patrilineal memories (through KH)? I.e. what in-universe purpose would that have served them? While on the subject, what in-universe purpose was served by having access to matrilineal memories?


(I hope this is not a dupe: I looked through SF&F’s five pages of hits for “Kwisatz Haderach” and did not find a question that was quite what I’m asking here)

2 Answers

The BG wanted a KH so they could control the universe. The patrilineal memories were probably a cool side effect (they could access that huge untapped well of knowledge) but the real advantage was having an undefeatable prescient warrior/diplomat doing whatever they commanded.

Correct answer by just_happen_to_know on September 25, 2021

I would venture that in the early days of the Bene Gesserit, their motives were essentially religous: they considered the Reverend Mother State of Consciousness to be holy, and creating a "Reverend Male" would be equally holy - as well as a source of wisdom. I imagine this as their "We exist only to serve." days. But in order to try to positive influence the society in which they found themselves, they chose to move whenever possible into the political circles of the Great. When they began to breed with them, they created unanticipated consequences: they were breeding into themselves the genes for personal ambition, the will to dominate. Thus their plans for the Kwisatz Haderach shifted toward trying to create someone they could use to their own ends.

Answered by James Herndon on September 25, 2021

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