Are the Sandworms of Dune Realistic? Let’s Dive In!
The sandworms of Dune have long been a staple of iconic sci-fi creatures, inspiring generations of monster designs. In the recent blockbuster Dune: Part Two, we see Timothée Chalamet riding a sandworm through the desert, defying gravity and physics. But could these massive creatures really move so effortlessly through the sand?
The sandworms of Dune have long been a staple of iconic sci-fi creatures, inspiring generations of monster designs. In the recent blockbuster Dune: Part Two, we see Timothée Chalamet riding a sandworm through the desert, defying gravity and physics. But could these massive creatures really move so effortlessly through the sand?
Earthworms and Sandworms: A Comparison
Earthworms use a unique propulsion method involving fluid-filled chambers in their bodies. This allows them to move forward in a slow, wavelike manner. However, the sandworms in Dune move more like snakes, with fluid movements through the sand. While some snakes can move in straight lines using rectilinear locomotion, the burrowing movement of sandworms presents a different challenge.
Enter the Amphisbaenians
Amphisbaenians, or worm lizards, share more similarities with Dune's sandworms than any other creatures. These burrowing animals move through granular material using rectilinear locomotion, similar to the giants of Arrakis. However, there are still notable differences between the two.
The Mystery of Sandworm Propulsion
Experimental physicist Daniel Goldman raises doubts about Earth creatures being able to match the speed and movement of sandworms in the friction of sand. Sand itself has unique properties, able to flow from a solid to fluid-like state. This raises questions about how sandworms could achieve such high speeds in their environment.
Nematodes: Sandworm Cousins?
Tiny nematodes, or roundworms, share mechanical properties with sand that make them potential sandworm relatives. With gel-like bodies and specialized muscle tissue, nematodes offer a glimpse into how sandworms might move. Their minimal side-to-side movement could explain how sandworms propel themselves through the sand.
Evolution on Arrakis: The Sandworm's Behavior
The constant movement required for sandworms to survive underground may explain their aggressive nature. As the universe's largest fictional creatures, they could be more similar to tiny nematodes than we realize. But ultimately, the answer to their movement remains up to interpretation.
In conclusion, director Denis Villeneuve has yet to fully showcase how sandworms move in the Dune universe. It's a mystery waiting to be unraveled in future installments.
Hey, I'm Fateh Muhammad, a Lahore local with a passion for arts and politics. My journey led me through the halls of the National College of Arts, where I delved into the intricacies of both disciplines. Now calling Lahore home, I'm here to share my insights and perspectives on the dynamic intersection of art and politics. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! Connect With Me .