Why Don't the Sandworms Attack Outworlder Cities in Arrakis?

The Sandworms of Dune are legendary. With immense size and strength, they traverse the deserts of Arrakis, creating ominous dune lakes and disrupting the lives of all who live in its harshest environments. But in the highly anticipated Dune 2021, viewers might have noticed something unusual about the cities of Arrakis – the sandworms don’t attack Outworlder cities. This raises the question: why don’t the Sandworms attack these Outworlder cities? Let’s delve into the intricacies of the Dune universe to find out.

Outworlder Cities: A Situational Analysis

The first thing to note is that none of the cities we see on Arrakis in Dune 2021 are truly what could be called 'Outworlder' cities. The planet is dominated by the Spacing Guild cities, the Padishah Empire, and House Atreides, who rule Arrakeen, the primary city and capital of the planet. However, to address the question directly, we must look at two major cities in the film: Arrakeen and Carthag.

Arrakeen: A Bedrock Protection

The city of Arrakeen is built on a massive chunk of bedrock that protrudes from the desert sands. This geological feature provides a natural barrier that the sandworms can’t penetrate. The relentless tunnels of the Great Devourer, as they are often called, would find it incredibly difficult to burrow through such solid rock, making Arrakeen a safe haven from the threats of the deep desert.

The Shield Wall: Defense Against Sandworms and Storms

Another key element of protection in Arrakis is the Shield Wall, a colossal natural mountain feature. This wall serves multiple purposes, protecting not only Arrakeen but also Carthag, a major city on Arrakis, from sandworms and the dangerous storms that often sweep across the planet. The Shield Wall is essentially a mountain range that extends along the eastern coast, forming a barrier that can deflect the force of storm surges and prevent sandworms from reaching the cities behind it.

Environmental Factors

The Dune universe is replete with a complex set of environmental challenges, and the presence of sandworms is one of the most formidable. However, the placement of Arrakeen and Carthag in relation to the Shield Wall and bedrock significantly minimizes the threat of sandworms. Additionally, the cities are scientifically engineered to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of the desert, further enhancing their resilience.

Revisiting the Myths: Sandworms and the Cities of Arrakis

While the myth of the Sandworms devouring all life in their path is prevalent, there are exceptions in the Dune universe. The cities of Arrakeen and Carthag demonstrate that with the right environmental and strategic positioning, it is possible to create a safe urban environment even in the presence of such gigantic threats. This explains why we don’t see the Sandworms attacking these Outworlder cities in the film.

Conclusion

The absence of sandworm attacks on Arrakeen and Carthag in Dune 2021 is not just a result of plot convenience but also a reflection of the advanced engineering and strategic placement of these cities. The bedrock of Arrakeen and the Shield Wall of Carthag offer a natural defense, making these cities safe havens. Understanding these environmental and strategic factors provides a deeper insight into the intricacies of the Dune universe.