Ghola

A ghola is a fictional creature in the Dune universe created by Frank Herbert. A type of clone grown in an axlotl tank from genetic material retrieved from the cells of a deceased subject, a ghola is created using a technological process developed and monopolized by the Tleilaxu. Later in Herbert's series the process is also used by the Bene Gesserit. The first ghola featured in the series — Hayt in Dune Messiah — is apparently a resurrection of ... more

A ghola is a fictional creature in the Dune universe created by Frank Herbert. A type of clone grown in an axlotl tank from genetic material retrieved from the cells of a deceased subject, a ghola is created using a technological process developed and monopolized by the Tleilaxu. Later in Herbert's series the process is also used by the Bene Gesserit. The first ghola featured in the series — Hayt in Dune Messiah — is apparently a resurrection of the corpse of Duncan Idaho; later gholas are grown from a few cells, as in the case of subsequent Idaho gholas provided to Leto II in God Emperor of Dune. The Tleilaxu control their creations by forcing them into a hypnotic state with some predefined sound (often a specific humming or whistling noise). Before the events of Dune Messiah, gholas are merely physical copies without the memories of their original incarnations. The ghola Hayt is programmed by the Tleilaxu to kill Paul Atreides under post-hypnotic suggestion. The attempt fails and,... less