Sandrider

In the Dune universe of Frank Herbert, a sandrider is a Fremen male who has mastered the technique of riding the sandworm of Arrakis. Becoming a sandrider is an important rite of passage in Fremen society, conferring adult status.

History

This important rite of passage developed when the outcast, Selim (a Zensunni), rode a worm to impress and scare the Naib which discarded him. Ever since this historic moment Selim was called Selim Wormrider.

How?

A sandworm is summoned with a mechanical thumper in the sand. When it surfaces, the sandrider runs alongside it and uses a long Maker hook to pry open one of its segments, exposing the soft tissue underneath to the abrasive sand. This forces the worm to roll over (lifting the sandrider on top of it) and keep the exposed area well above the ground.

Means of Transportation

The Fremen ride the sandworms to cross large portions of desert. A sandworm can typically travel for several hundred miles before being exhausted, at which point the sandriders must summon another worm to continue the journey. The Fremen measure the length of these journeys in "thumpers" - the number of times they must change worms.