The Fremen (pronounced /ˈfrɛmən/) are a group of people in the fictional Dune universe created by Frank Herbert.
First appearing in the 1965 science fiction novel Dune, the Fremen inhabit the desertplanetArrakis and are based on the desert-dwelling Bedouin and Kalahari Bushmen.
In Herbert's novels, Arrakis (also known as Dune) is the sole known source of the all-important spice melange in the universe.
The Fremen originated from human refugees and outcasts from different planetary colonies who traveled across space and ended in the then unexplored desert planet centuries in the past, becoming initially a group known as "The Free Men of Arrakis".
As humans in extremis, over time they adapted their culture and way of life to survive and thrive in the incredibly harsh conditions of Arrakis. The Fremen are distinguished by their fierce fighting abilities and adeptness at survival in these conditions. With water such a rare commodity on the planet, their culture revolves around its preservation and conservation.
The Fremen spend all time out in the desert inside a stillsuit, a special body-enclosing suit designed to collect and recycle body water.
It is generally considered a great sign of respect (though often interpreted otherwise) for a Fremen to spit saliva before a person, because of their water conservation routine. They also put a great reverence on crying. Tears shed for someone who has died are referred to as "Water Given To The Dead."
