Dune

Okay, let me just preface this by saying I doubt this had any bearing on Herbert's vision of Paul Atreides; I just think it's an interesting coincidence.

Dune was first serialized in 1963/64 in Analog magazine, before being printed as a novel in 1965. There have been many discussions about his ideas, influences, and inspirations, but I don't think I've ever seen this one before. One thing I've always found fascinating is Paul's choice of the Fremen name Muad'Dib, the small kangaroo mouse adapted to survive in Arrakis' harsh desert climate. The notion of such a tiny (and let's face it, downright cute) little creature symbolizing the man destined to topple an empire is incongruous in the extreme, which makes it even more compelling. Who doesn't love rooting for the underdog? Which begs the question, why a mouse, and not something else? Where did Herbert get the idea?

Four years prior to its appearance in Analog, a funny little movie arrived in theaters. It was a satirical comedy about Post-war/Cold War politics, starring a brilliant actor playing multiple roles, where a tiny and borderline medieval postage-stamp principality in Europe brings the world to its knees.

The movie in question? A delightful romp titled The Mouse That Roared - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mouse_That_Roared_(film). :)