Stilgar/2021 film

Stilgar will do anything to protect the life and culture of his people—guardians of the Arrakis deserts known as the Fremen. He is revered as a man of great wisdom, born of a deep symbiotic relationship with the wilds of Dune; a primal survivor who has made the most dangerous planet in the universe his home.^[1]

History

Stilgar first appears when Duncan Idaho introduces him to Leto and House Atreides.

After Paul and Jessica crash in the desert after escaping the Sardaukar troops, Stilgar finds them in the desert, and momentarily surrounds them with his tribe of Fremen. Despite accepting Paul, Stilgar initially intends to slay Jessica for being too old to learn Fremen ways, but is quick to change his mind when Jessica shows him that she is indeed a skilled fighter. He then orders that the two be given sanctuary with the tribe until they reach their base, but things become more difficult when Jamis objects.

After challenging Jessica to a duel, Jamis falls at the hands of Paul and therefore Stilgar welcomes both mother and son within the tribe, hailing the Fremen's vow of a life-for-a-life.

Personality

A respected leader among his people, Stilgar is known for his wisdom and deep connection with the harsh environment of Dune.

Quotes

Leto: "The Emperor has given me Arrakis as my fief to rule and protect. I cannot promise not to travel into the desert if duty compels me. But your sietches will be yours forever. And you will never be hunted while I govern here."

Stilgar: "That's very honorable. I must go. That's all I have to say to you."

— Meeting with the Duke at Arrakeen^[src]

Paul: "Won't you stay? We would honor you."

Stilgar: "Honor requires that I be elsewhere... I recognize you."

— Stilgar meets his future messiah^[src]

Jamis: "They're weaklings."

Stilgar: "Jamis... That was a brave crossing they made in the path of Shai-Hulud. He does not speak or act like a weakling. Nor did his father."

— Debating Paul & Jessica's fate^[src]

“Filthy water. It's full of...chemicals. But good enough for cooling systems!” - On Harkonnen biochemistry, Dune: Part Two

"Never give your water away, not even for the dead." - When Jessica sheds a tear over the massive well of reclaimed human water

"The Mahdi is too humble to say He is the Mahdi. Even more reason to know He is! As written!"

Stilgar: "I see strength in you. Like Usul. The base of the pillar. Come, come. You shall be know among us as Usul. [tribe repeats name] Usul. And now, a Fedaykin is a fighter and needs a war name. You must choose."

Paul: "How do you call the, uh… The small desert mouse, again? [tribe laughs]"

Stilgar: "Muad'Dib?"

Paul: "Muad’Dib."

Stilgar: "No, no, no. [shushes] Muad’Dib is wise in the ways of the desert. Muad’Dib… [sighs] creates his own water. The constellation that points to the North Star, we call Muad’Dib. 'The One Who Points the Way.' That is a powerful name. Now you are our brother. Mmm. Paul Muad’Dib Usul."

— Granting Paul his Fremen titles^[src]

Stilgar: "Don’t try to impress anyone. You are brave. We all know that. Heh? Be simple. Be direct. Nothing fancy."

Paul: "Nothing fancy."

Stilgar: "Hey, I’m serious. Nothing fancy or you will shame my teaching!"

Paul: "I won’t shame you. I understand."

Stilgar: "Shai-Hulud decides today if you become Fremen...or if you die."

— Advising Paul on his first wormride^[src]

Stilgar: "It is a good time to cross blades with me. I am weak. I am an easy kill, Muad’Dib."

Paul: "I’d rather cut off my own hand."

Stilgar: "We need you. We need the Lisan al Gaib to lead our people."

Paul: "You know what I think of all that, Stilgar."

Stilgar: "I don’t care what you believe! I believe!"

— Begging Muad'Dib to take his place as tribal leader^[src]

Stilgar: "Take my life, Usul. It is the only way."

Paul: "I’m pointing the way!"

— Muad'Dib supplants Fremen customs at the southern war council^[src]

Trivia

Stilgar’s belief in Paul Atreides as the Lisan al Gaib is played for laughs at first but becomes more tragic as Paul watches his friend descend into fanaticism.
Director Denis Villeneuve's commentary on Stilgar's character arc:
- "In the second half of the film, the same religious fervor that was previously funny becomes much more sinister as Stilgar's blind faith is integral to pushing Paul further down the path that will make him a tyrant responsible for genocide across the universe."^[2]
Stilgar is described by Chani and Shishakli as hailing from the southern hemisphere of Arrakis - a detail not explicitly mentioned in Frank Herbert’s novel.
Despite requiring additional takes for accuracy, actor Javier Bardem's accent and speech patterns were convincing enough to pass off random sounds and phrases as legitimate Chakobsa when he forgot his lines.

Gallery

Promotional images

Navigation

References

[1] ttps://www.dunemovie.com/

[2] ttps://screenrant.com/dune-2-movie-stilgar-scenes-meme-denis-villeneuve-response

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