Ixians

Ixians

The Ixians are a society defined by their mastery of technology within Frank Herbert's Dune universe. While their devices are widespread and vital, they often push against the strict bans on computers, thinking machines, and conscious robots that were established after the Butlerian Jihad. Later in the series, the Ixians create the no-chamber, a device that conceals its contents from prescient sight and long-range sensors, and the no-ship, a starship version of the no-chamber that can fold space without a Guild Navigator.

By the time of the original Dune novel, Ix is the Imperium's leading technology provider. Ixian goods are everywhere, but the society itself remains hidden until later books. Dune Messiah mentions the "Ixian Confederacy. In God Emperor of Dune, Leto II Atreides sees a vision of a future he prevented, where the Ixians unleashed self-improving hunter-seekers that lost control and consumed all organic life.

Leto also discusses his relationship with Malky, a former Ixian ambassador raised and trained to be a "tempter," the "Devil to Leto's God. The Ixians hoped Malky would make Leto doubt his purpose, but the plan failed. They then created Hwi Noree, a woman designed to attract, seduce, and influence Leto. Leto recognizes this intent when he meets her but cannot resist his attraction.

Later, Tleilaxu Face Dancers infiltrate the Ixian embassy on Arrakis, killing and replacing everyone except Hwi as part of an assassination plot against Leto. The attempt fails, but Leto later allows himself and Hwi to be killed by Siona Atreides as part of his own scheme for the universe.