Dune: Prophecy: Who Are The Harkonnen Sisters?

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Dune: Prophecy: Who Are The Harkonnen Sisters?

Key Takeaways

  • Denis Villeneuve’s Dune covers Atreides massacre, Paul’s rise on Arrakis, and political maneuvering in the Imperium.
  • HBO’s Dune: Prophecy will delve into the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood’s formation and the Harkonnen sisters’ quest for power.
  • Valya Harkonnen is a key figure in Sisterhood of Dune, focusing on the rise of the Bene Gesserit and her rivalry with Vorian.

In delving into the captivating lives of Valya and Tula Harkonnen, one cannot help but be utterly fascinated by their intricate histories and the indelible mark they left on the universe of Dune. As a student of this rich lore, I find myself particularly drawn to the story of Valya.

In the two-part movie adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune directed by Denis Villeneuve, we follow the story of House Atreides as they experience the tragic event known as the Atreides massacre at Castle Caladan. This leads to Paul Atreides and his mother, Lady Jessica, a member of the Bene Gesserit, fleeing into the harsh desert landscape of Arrakis. The narrative then unfolds as Paul rises in power on this planet. Simultaneously, complex political machinations take place within the Imperium, with the Harkonnens, aided and supported by the Emperor’s Sardaukar elite force, plotting against House Atreides. Behind the scenes, mysterious figures are at work, including members of the Bene Gesserit, such as Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, who reprimands Lady Jessica for interfering with their plans.

Apart from Dune’s epic saga by Villeneuve, an original drama series by HBO is in development. This series aims to delve deeply into the origins and early years of the Sisterhood (the Bene Gesserit). The enigma surrounding the Bene Gesserit, skillfully portrayed by Villeneuve in Dune, calls for a trip back in time. Come November 2024, Dune: Prophecy will shed light on two significant historical figures – the Harkonnen sisters.

Dune: Prophecy And The Sisterhood

Dune: Prophecy: Who Are The Harkonnen Sisters?

Dune: Prophecy originates from the 2012 book Sisterhood of Dune, penned by co-authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Brian Herbert Sr., the original author, passed away in 1986, but over a decade later, his son and Anderson continued the Dune series as authors. Primarily, they wrote prequel trilogies, along with two sequels, a graphic novel series, and a compilation of short stories.

The prequel series’ title transition from “Dune: The Sisterhood” to “Dune: Prophecy” was made before the release of Dune: Part Two. This change aligned the series with the Dune franchise and attuned it to the central themes of the Chosen One prophecy, power, and politics in the Imperium, as well as the rich, complex, and intricate narrative of the Dune lore. It also enhanced the core themes of the second installment, as the birth and ascension of Paul Atreides and the fulfillment of the Kwisatz Haderach prophecy are significant to Dune lore.

Renaming the series to Dune: Prophecy aligns with both the Bene Gesserit and Fremen prophecies concerning the Chosen One. The Bene Gesserit prophesy foretells the coming of a male Bene Gesserit, or a superbeing with access to both male and female genetic memory, as well as extraordinary foresight. This prophecy is connected to the Fremen belief in the messianic Lisan al-Gaib, who they believe will free them from the political and economic oppression inflicted by the Arrakis colonizers, specifically the Harkonnens and the Imperium. The cruel Harkonnens, with the Emperor’s approval, exploit the Fremen planet for the valuable resource, Spice Melange.

In the captivating world of Dune, my fascination lies with the intriguing Bene Gesserit lineage as their journey unfolds. It seems only fitting that this path is being pursued, offering an enthralling progression within the saga.

The Harkonnen Sisters

Who Are Valya And Tula Harkonnen?

In the heart of “Dune: Prophecy,” it’s the Harkonnen Sisters who take center stage. The story unfolds within the universe created by Frank Herbert, delving into their relentless pursuit of power.

In the vast cosmos of the Dune universe, penned by renowned author Frank Herbert, lies a story that unfolds 10,000 years prior to Paul Atreides’ ascension, titled “Dune: Prophecy”. This narrative focuses on two Harkonnen sisters who engage in battles against ominous forces endangering humanity. Their struggles play a crucial role in shaping the legendary order that eventually becomes known as the Bene Gesserit. “Dune: Prophecy” draws inspiration from the novel “Sisterhood of Dune”, authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

In the immersive world of gaming, exploring the backstory of the Bene Gesserit has me hooked, so let’s dive into the lives and times of Valya and Tula Harkonnen – two figures that have left an indelible mark on this captivating universe.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m hyped about Emily Watson’s Valya Harkonnen stealing the spotlight in the teasers, but it’s Tula who steps up as my main character, or secondary lead. The younger version of Valya, played by Jessica Amy Barden, brings an intriguing depth to the storyline.

Valya, a member of House Harkonnen, plays a significant role in the early development of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. However, despite her efforts to mold and improve the Sisterhood, she struggles to accept the downfall of her family, House Harkonnen, which was largely due to her great-grandfather, Bashar Abulurd Harkonnen’s defiance against Supreme Bashar Vorian Atreides during the Battle of Corrin. After the Butlerian Jihad, House Butler became House Corrino and ruled the universe, with a system of checks and balances within the Imperium. The Atreides family rose to prominence, while Valya’s ancestor experienced a fall from grace. Abulurd was banished to the harsh, isolated planet of Lankiveil, where his descendant, Valya, grew up nurturing a deep-seated hatred for the Atreides.

I, Valya, nurtured an excessive and damaging fascination with the Atreides and the Harkonnens’ downfall since my childhood. This passion bred resentment, suspicion, and most significantly, hatred towards the Atreides within my siblings Tula and Griffin. As I matured, I found myself among the Sisterhood of Rossak under Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul. However, Emperor Salvador Corrino dissolved the Rossak Order by imperial decree, causing me to return to Lankiveil undeterred. With Raquella’s approval, I journeyed to Ginaz to train as a Swordmaster and hone my skills further. Meanwhile, Tula adhered diligently to my instructions, embodying the essence of my teachings. Over time, I also mastered and refined the Voice, a powerful ability that Tula would come to wield faithfully.

Among 28 disciples of Raquella, Valya was one who journeyed to Wallach IX to rebuild, reunite, and fortify the Sisterhood after Raquella’s passing. Upon Raquella’s death, Valya became the sole Reverend Mother Superior by eliminating her selected co-leader Dorotea using a powerful ability called the Voice. After ascending to power, she transformed the Sisterhood into what is now known as the Bene Gesserit. The Mother School on Wallach IX, their operational base, was founded during this period as Valya continued her feud with Vorian. Valya’s journey from a simple recruit at Rossak to the second Reverend Mother Superior of the Bene Gesserit showcases her unwavering commitment and skills.

In HBO’s Dune: Prophecy, it’s clear that Valya is putting pressure on Tula. Among the Harkonnen sisters, Valya comes across as more fierce and domineering, while Tula seems submissive. The teaser video for Dune: Prophecy 2 reveals that Tula has already committed the crime of killing her husband Orry Atreides on their wedding night, at Valya’s request. In the official teaser, we find Tula still heeding Valya’s arguments.

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2024-10-09 17:05