Dadrian the Frugal is a character from the expanded universe of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.
About Dadrian[]
Emperor Dadrian the Frugal reigned during an unspecified period of the Galactic Empire's history, though his epithet suggests a time of economic constraint or imperial austerity. He is remembered primarily for an anecdote that exemplifies both his personal character and the sometimes absurd nature of imperial excess. The most documented incident from his reign involved him urinating in the Imperial Gardens, an act that appears to have been both a personal eccentricity and a symbolic gesture.
This act, while seemingly trivial, carried significant symbolic weight within the context of imperial court culture. It represented either a profound disregard for courtly decorum or a deliberate statement about the value of natural processes over artificial grandeur. The Imperial Gardens themselves were among the most carefully maintained and culturally significant spaces on Trantor, making this act particularly noteworthy. The persistence of this story in historical records suggests it became emblematic of his reign and personal philosophy, reflecting his approach to imperial rule that prioritized practical considerations over ceremonial pomp.
Appearances[]
- Foundation's Fear (mentioned)