‘Dune: Prophecy’s’ House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained

'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained

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  • The Battle That Divided Two Great Houses in ‘Dune: Prophecy’
  • Valya Harkonnen Carries Her Family’s Vengeance
  • House Atreides Remains a Thorn in House Harkonnen’s Side

As a historian and connoisseur of epic tales, I find myself utterly captivated by the intricate web of events unfolding in this captivating narrative. The story of House Atreides and House Harkonnen is not just a tale of two powerful families; it’s a saga that spans millennia, a testament to the enduring power of vengeance, ambition, and destiny.


Preparations are underway for audiences to revisit the captivating world of Dune as the spin-off series “Dune: Prophecy” unfolds. Set 10,000 years prior to the events of Dune and the birth of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet), this series delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit order. Inspired by Frank Herbert’s novels, Denis Villeneuve’s film focuses on the narrative of the Kwisatz Haderach, a powerful being destined to guide humanity towards a superior path or paradise. This enigmatic figure has long been pursued by the sisterhood and represents the culmination of 10,000 years of careful manipulation of bloodlines as they strove to bring forth this Messiah. However, despite the meticulous planning and intervention from Lady Jessica (played by Rebecca Ferguson), this male Reverend Mother appears a generation ahead of schedule, disrupting the intricate plans of the Bene Gesserit.

In addition to uncovering the political intrigue surrounding the Bene Gesserit, viewers will also be privy to the longstanding feud between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides. The story unfolds approximately a century after the Butlerian Jihad (Great Machine Wars), a struggle between humans and artificial intelligence. This series primarily focuses on sisters Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams) Harkonnen, as they embark on a mission for vengeance and redemption against House Atreides to resurrect their family’s standing in the Imperium. The age-old rivalry between these powerful houses promises 10,000 years of conflict, leaving fans eager to witness this struggle and delve further into the rich history of Dune.

The Battle That Divided Two Great Houses in ‘Dune: Prophecy’

'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained

In the story Dune: Prophecy, the narrative draws inspiration from the novels Sisterhood of Dune, Mentats of Dune, and Navigators of Dune. Valya and Tula Harkonnen are prominent figures within the Bene Gesserit order, serving as high-ranking reverend mothers who oversee a school for women seeking to join this exclusive order. At this stage in history, House Harkonnen has suffered a significant decline in status within the Imperium. This downfall can be traced back to Abulurd Harkonnen, one of its founding members, who was branded a traitor due to his unwillingness to order the sacrifice of nearly two million lives during a crucial battle in the Butlerian Jihad. It is at this juncture that House Atreides enters the picture, as Abulurd’s superior, Vorian Atreides, was the one who issued the command that he refused to carry out.

In a similar vein, it’s often said that good actions can lead to undesirable consequences. This was a harsh reality Abulurd faced when he tried to protect innocent lives by disarming human fleets. Regrettably, his action put more lives at risk and led to increased casualties. It was Vorian who labeled Abulurd as a traitor, exiling House Harkonnen to the frozen planet of Lankiveil. This move ignited anger within House Harkonnen towards the Atreides family, and conversely, the Atreides harbored resentment against them. As viewers of this series know, this animosity has persisted for thousands of years. The story in this series resumes with the Harkonnens plotting their comeback and seeking to eliminate House Atreides, which would effectively end their lineage.

Valya Harkonnen Carries Her Family’s Vengeance

'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained

After the alleged treachery of Vorian Atreides, as the Harkonnens perceived it, they chose exile in Lankiveil and maintained a secluded lifestyle. Though Abulurd’s intentions to save lives were admirable, his lack of foresight led to severe consequences for his house, which future generations of House Harkonnen would also bear. Living in isolation and under much harsher circumstances compared to their past opulence and power during Baron Vladimir’s (Stellan Skarsgård) rule, the family found themselves in a state of decline. Despite most members accepting their fate, there is one who is determined to defend the family and confront the Atreides.

From a movie-lover’s perspective, I’d rephrase it like this: “I, Valya, bear the pain of a family wronged and a friend betrayed by House Atreides and Vorian. My anger burns strong, fueling my determination to see them brought low. Alongside my siblings, Griffin and Tula, I embark on a mission of vengeance against House Atreides. I am the spark that ignites this ancient feud, setting in motion events that will echo through the centuries. In my quest for justice, I also lay the foundation for the Sisterhood of Rossak, an order destined to become the formidable Bene Gesserit.

House Atreides Remains a Thorn in House Harkonnen’s Side

'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained'Dune: Prophecy's' House Atreides and House Harkonnen History, Explained

Valya Harkonnen is the one who set everything into motion. The series aims to reveal the origins of the Bene Gesserit order, a powerful female group that exerted immense influence within the Imperium. These women operate behind the scenes, manipulating politics across the universe from the shadows. They’ve also been shaping the bloodlines of the great houses for generations, hoping to bring forth their chosen one and position him on the Imperial Throne. By controlling the bloodlines, they aim to control the Kwisatz Haderach, who in turn controls humanity.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: In the epic saga of “Dune: Part Two,” my fascination lies in the intricate family ties of Paul Atreides. His lineage, a blend of House Harkonnen and House Atreides, was a union that was intended to be impossible by Valya, aiming to keep the bloodlines separate. However, as the story unfolds, we learn that this union was destined to thwart Valya’s ambitions and the machinations of the Bene Gesserit. In the end, a descendant from both houses dismantled their calculated schemes, offering a fresh perspective on the prophecy of “Dune: Prophecy.” This captivating continuation streams on November 17, exclusively on Max.

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2024-11-17 05:32