The History of CHOAM | Dune Lore

As a companion to Denis Villeneuve's DUNE 2021, I've been exploring the organizations and elements that make up Frank Herbert's iconic Dune saga. This is a discussion of the history and influence of the organization known as CHOAM. I also discuss CHOAM's inner-workings.

Twitter: @Nerd_Cookies

Music Credits - Background Music: Marion - Solitude

License for commercial use: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported "Share Alike" (CC BY-SA 3.0) License.

Information sources: Frank Herbert’s Dune Series

Art Credits
Dune Spice Refinery by Mark Molnar
Dune Speedpaintings by Mark Molnar
Dune by Frank Herbert by Marc Simonetti
Heighliners by Julian Faylona
Dune Messiah - Marc Simonetti
Dune Atreides by Angel Alonso
Landing in the Desert by Kamen Anev
Dune Halls of Arrakeen by Mark Molnar
Dune Ornithopters Landing by Mark Molnar
Dune Spice Harvester by Mark Molnar
Baron Harkonnen by Boti Harko
Leto Atreides II, God Emperor of Dune by Devon Cady-Lee
Dune Honored Matre by Guchi
Harvest Wormsign by Sammy Hall

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[Restilia_ch]

I just started rereading Dune and could not for the life of me remember what CHOAM is, so thank you very well timed lore video. Now excuse me while I search for hunter-seekers in my bedroom Cookies might be spying on me.

[marknovak]

CHOAM was in the background. Its biggest moment was when its flag was flowing as a response to Pauls's message to the empire before the battle at the end of the first book. It served a role but it really could exist if it had all sides see it as useful but not a threat.

[paulwolfley]

Thanks for the content during this age of waiting

[mrmorris]

You do an excellent job of clearly explaining much that Herbert implied, but did not spell out. I’ve been reading and rereading Dune for decades, and still find new details and nuances - especially as my knowledge of history, religion and philosophy expands. You nicely walk the line between explaining concepts and spoon-feeding the reader. Keep up the good work.

[FernZepeda]

As always, your deep research is beautifully portrayed, yet again. It's so awesome the way you put the pieces of the puzzle, regarding the slight nuances, together to help fill in the gaps. Thank you for helping enlighten us.

[chadvanderlinden]

Interstellar travel did not become "slow and expensive" after the Butlerian Jihad, it became more DANGEROUS. You could still fold space and travel the universe in seconds, but there was a 10% probability that you'd dissappear. It was as fast as ever, but with steep insurance rates. Cargo shipping continued using automated vehicles or skeleton crews, but it was too risky for important passengers. The thinking machines which had performed navigation had to be replaced by people who could perform the same task. These Guild Navigators were expensive, indeed! There was still the option of sublight interstellar travel, but this would have been slow and far more expensive than running fleets of fold-ships with a 10% loss rate.

[robertsosna]

It is interesting to hear the background histories of Dune. I look forward to watching more videos like this! It is often referred to as a water tyranny. Who ever controls the water controls the society, or in Dune's case it's the spice the controls the universe.

[OdintheGermanShepherd]

I think this is my new favorite channel….outstanding videos, great job….your voice is great also!!

[Orkillester]

CHOAM is another piece in Herbert's overall philosophy - which is mostly that too much centralization leads to humanity stalling and even backsliding as a whole. When taking the ending of the series into account, it seems he generally thought we should let people be free to choose their destinies for the most part, and not rely on too much centralization, as that reduces the number of things that are needed to fail to hurt more people overall.

In this sense, CHOAM was not really a free market - it was an organization to be manipulated by and benefit the greater powers in the Dune universe.

[Ozymandias]

The RDA corporation in Avatar was also based on the Dutch East India Company (which was a private company as opposed to the British one, which was state owned).

[johndevillier]

The Golden Path changed the way the Dune society worked forever(the scattering), never stagnation again! Great video as always….🖖🏽

[Jared_Wignall]

Always cool to see a Dune video from you. Hope you’re having a great day!

[michaelmontgomery]

Hey NC! Glad you have finally made it down the path of life to the movie!

[branmakmorn]

Great stuff. You all are gonna have to upload even more detailed Dune lore videos in the next few months.

[baraka]

Your voice is so soothing and I love the imagery you use as you thoroughly explain complex political matters.

[jezebulls]

I think this is my new favorite channel!!

[Majik]

I absolutely love listening to you. Your content is very relevant to what I like it’s very informative and your voice is beautiful. Thanks for the content.

[shanenolan]

Thanks guys. A truly interesting topic

[Davepool-hsvr]

I love the artwork that goes into these videos

[lab]

Thanks again for another great video demonstrating the depth of Herbert's world building. The epoch of Dune seems more and more like nineteenth century Europe.