The Litany Against Fear is a mantra created by the Bene Gesserit, an ancient mystical matriarchy in Frank Herbert's science fiction epic, Dune. According to the appendix of the novel, the litany was created 10,000 years prior to the events in the original story.

The first use of the litany is when Paul Atreides is compelled by the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam of the Bene Gesserit to endure a test of psychological torture. With his right hand concealed from sight in a box, the Reverend Mother uses mind control on Paul to create the sensation that the flesh of his hand is burning away. As his torment intensifies, Paul uses the Litany Against Fear to focus his mind away from the agony.



I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
[ 1 ]




[ 1 ] Herbert, Frank. Dune. Chilton Books, 1965. p.19

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