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Spoilers for Dune: Prophecy, episode 4 follow.

Greetings Popversians, and welcome to Lore Corner! Each week, video producer Ashley V. Robinson and staff writer Grant DeArmitt are going to take you deep into the preexisting lore behind some of pop culture's most exciting adaptations, such as the epic, spacefaring universe of Dune: Prophecy. Happy diving!

As Dune: Prophecy is winding up for its presumably explosive finale, we here at Lore Corner are still reeling about one of the wilder elements of Frank Herbert's Dune universe that the folks at Max have decided to include in the prequel series. That is, the ability certain characters have to shapeshift - or as they are known canonically, Face Dancers.

You probably already know who we're talking about when it comes to the franchise's chameleon-like abilities exhibited by some of the Bene Gesserit, but what you may not know is exactly how the abilities work. And unless you've kept up with the series of Dune novels, you probably aren't aware of how this ability shown on Dune: Prophecy ties into the history of Arrakis some 10,000 years later, in the story we watch play out in the Dune films.

Well, that's what we're here for, and if you'll shift your eyes this way (ugh, not like that), we'll explain.

Who are the Face Dancers in Dune?

Face Dancers are individuals who can control their bodies on a molecular level. It's similar to how you or I might be able to change the expressions on our faces, if that change could extend to controlling the tone of our skin, bone structure of our cheeks, and even placement of our eyes (so actually, not a whole lot like what you and I can do). This ability comes naturally to Face Dancers, however, there are ways for these gifted people to better harness their abilities, and one organization in particular seems to want to use those practices for their own ends.

But before we move on, something to note - despite the name, Face Dancers can change much more than just their visages. Their entire bodies are subject to their molecular control, meaning that, with enough time and practice, a Face Dancer could even transform into something more than human. 

Hold on, we're getting ahead of ourselves - let's go back to that organization we mentioned earlier, which as you certainly have guessed, is the Bene Gesserit.

Who is a Face Dancer in Dune: Prophecy?

Yes, the Bene Gesserit have a Face Dancer in their own ranks in the unfolding story of Dune: Prophecy. We met her in the first episode, but it wasn't until episode 4, Twice Born, that we learned of the unique powers of Sister Theodosia, played by Jade Anouka. At the end of the episode, we see young Bene Gesserit recruit Theodosia transform into Griffin, deceased brother to Valya and Tula and member of House Harkonnen.

As you know if you've watched the episode, Theodosia's transformation is a painful one. And while her entire backstory is yet to be revealed, we can presume that this is at least in part because Theodosia's powers are still something that she needs training in (think of Face Dancing like weightlifting - eventually you'll be be benching 250, but those first few reps are gonna suck). We especially think Theo's a bit of a newbie because, as we continue exploring Dune's history, we'll come to learn that future Face Dancers will be able to accomplish their feats without as much pain... and in much larger shifts in shape.

Is Paul Atreides a Face Dancer?

Wait, was that where you thought we were going with this? Oh no, there's no lore reason to think that Paul Atreides shifts shape during his time in Dune, although one could make the argument that, due to his heritage and status as the Kwisatz Haderach, Paul had the ability to face Dance within himself the entire time. But when it comes to emperors that take on guises, the central Dune character to point to is Paul's son, Leto II.

Following the events of Dune: Messiah (which Denis Villeneuve has said will be the basis for Dune 3), Paul has set up a galactic empire that his son Leto II inherits. The empire is ruled from its seat of power on Arrakis, and there are few things more powerful on Arrakis than the dreaded sandworm. Leto II, blessed (cursed?) with the Face Dancing ability, uses this fact to seize ultimate power, transforming himself into one of the dreaded sandworms and ascending to the role of God Emperor of Dune.

Leto II accomplishes this by attaching sandworm larva to himself and blending his body with theirs using the molecular control exhibited by Theodosia in episode 4. This incredible Face Dancing feat not only makes him into something far more than human, but it expands his life in a grotesque way - before his eventual fall in God Emperor of Dune, the novel, Leto II lives some 3,500 years.

One shudders to consider his skincare routine.

Face your fear, and permit it to pass over you and through you with our key guides to all things Dune:

• Dune: Part Two's ending explained,
• All the Dune sequels and TV show prequels that are planned
• Dune watch order
• Which Frank Herbert story Denis Villeneuve believes would make a great Dune: Part Three
• Movies to watch after you've finished Dune
• Sisterhood of Dune ending explained: Understanding the book that Dune: Prophecy was based on

After reading it all, turn to the inner eye to see its path.