Ix (Dune)

Ix
Emblem of House Ix from Emperor: Battle for Dune (2001)
Universe	Dune universe
Notable people	Hwi Noree Malky House Vernius
Created by	Frank Herbert
Genre	Science fiction

Ix /ˈɪks/ is a fictional planet featured in the Dune series of science fiction novels written by Frank Herbert, and derivative works. In Dune (1965) it is noted that Ix is classed with the planet Richese as "supreme in machine culture," and that Ixian solido projectors "are commonly considered the best." In Dune Messiah (1969) Herbert explains that the planet's name (a spelling pronunciation of the Roman numeral IX) is derived from the fact that it is the ninth planet of its sun. Ixian devices are commonplace and considered essential throughout the rest of the series, though they sometimes test the limits of the anti-technology proscriptions of the Butlerian Jihad, humanity's crusade against computers, thinking machines, and conscious robots.

In Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's Legends of Dune prequel trilogy (2002–2004), the name of the planet is originally Rodale IX at the time of the Butlerian Jihad.

By the time of the events described in the 1965 novel Dune, Ix is the leader in providing technology to the Imperium. Ixian devices are ever-present, but the society itself is unseen until later in the series. The sequel to Dune, Dune Messiah (1969), refers to the "Ixian Confederacy," hinting at society governed by a group of empowered political bodies or worlds rather than by a single ruling House, as is typical in the rest of the universe.Dune Messiah begins with "Excerpts from the Death Cell Interview with Bronso of Ix," a historian imprisoned and condemned to death for his critical analyses of Paul "Muad'Dib" Atreides and his histories, as presented by Paul's followers. This "interview" — and a subsequent excerpt from Bronso's Analysis of History: Muad'dib — serves to summarize the plot of Dune and establish the political and religious conflicts in play as the novel begins.