In 10191, Duke Leto I of House Atreides, ruler of the ocean planet Caladan, is assigned by the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV to serve as fief ruler of Arrakis, a harsh desert planet. Arrakis is the only source of melange, or "spice", a priceless substance that extends human vitality and is critical for interstellar travel. They are to replace the House Harkonnen, who have withdrawn from Arrakis on Shaddam's orders. In reality, Shaddam intends to use his Sardaukar troops to eradicate House Atreides and stage a coup to allow House Harkonnen to re-take the planet shortly after their arrival. Leto is apprehensive of the assignment, but sees it as an opportunity to bond with Arrakis’ native population, the Fremen, as a first step to bring peace throughout all the Houses.
