Dune: Part Two adapts the second half of Frank Herbert's iconic Dune novel, and there are six major houses and political factions to know before seeing the film. Herbert's Dune universe is vast and expansive, making it challenging to keep track of all the major houses and factions that are significant in the story. The first Dune movie introduces important characters, but their backgrounds and significance are not fully explored during the film.
As Dune 2 introduces more major houses and factions, it is crucial to understand how each of them fits into the complex world of Dune. The release of Dune 2 has been postponed to 2024, giving fans plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the intricacies of Herbert's universe that may not have been fully explained in the initial movie. Knowing about the six major houses and factions that will be featured in the story can enhance the viewing experience of Dune 2, making it more enjoyable and easier to follow.
House Atreides
Home Planet: Caladan
Dune Paul Atreides - Home Planet: Caladan - House Atreides
The heart of Dune's story revolves around House Atreides. Despite facing near destruction by House Harkonnen and the Sardaukar in Dune, Paul Atreides survives and is set to restore his house's former glory in Dune: Part Two. Originally hailing from the planet Caladan, known for its lush environment and clean air, House Atreides is adored by the locals and their planetary subjects. They proudly trace their lineage back to the ancient Greeks on Earth, claiming connections to legendary figures from Greek mythology.
House Harkonnen
Before the events in Dune, House Atreides had a long history of power, but it was Leto Atreides I who elevated it to become one of the most esteemed and influential houses in the Padishah Empire. Their rise in success and influence drew the envy and animosity of Emperor Shaddam, who viewed them as his main competitors. This led the Emperor to form an alliance with House Harkonnen and orchestrate the destruction of the Atreides on Arrakis in Dune. In Dune 2, the task falls upon Paul and his Fremen allies to seek vengeance for Leto and restore the Atreides to their former glory.
Home Planet: Giedi Prime
Baron Harkonnen in Dune. - Home Planet: Giedi Prime - House Harkonnen
House Harkonnen hails from the industrialized planet of Giedi Prime and has a long-standing rivalry with House Atreides. They are believed to be descendants of ancient Finland on Earth and were once a minor house until Baron Vladimir Harkonnen rose to power, utilizing fear-based governance and ruthless economic tactics to amass wealth.
Baron Vladimir of House Harkonnen has a notable connection to House Atreides, which could have a significant impact on Dune 2. Previously ruling Arrakis with an iron grip, the Harkonnens allied with the Emperor to bring down House Atreides. After achieving this goal, they regained control of the spice-rich planet, solidifying their power. The Baron aims to overthrow the Padishah Emperor and establish his own dynasty in Dune 2.
House Corrino
Home Planets: Kaitain, Salusa Secundus
Christopher Walken's Emperor Shaddam IV in Dune 2 next to Paul Atreides. - Home Planets: Kaitain, Salusa Secundus - House Corrino
House Corrino is the ruling family in the Dune universe. They have been in power for a thousand years, starting from the Battle of Corrin. The family's main residence is on the planet Kaitain, but their original home is Salusa Secundus, which now serves as a prison and training center for the fierce Sardaukar soldiers. These soldiers are considered the strongest military force in the galaxy and play a crucial role in House Corrino's dominance.
House Fenring
In Dune 2, the power of the Sardaukar may be put to the test by Paul Atreides and the Fremen, challenging the belief that only the Great Houses of the Landsraad can defeat them. Emperor Shaddam IV of House Corrino, driven by jealousy and fear of House Atreides, lends the Sardaukar to House Harkonnen to eliminate their rivals. As House Corrino faces its toughest trial yet, Paul Atreides and the Fremen will emerge from hiding to battle for control of Arrakis, the crucial planet.
Home Planet: Kaitain
Dune 2 Trailer Feyd-Rautha Lady Fenring - Home Planet: Kaitain - House Fenring
House Fenring, a loyal ally to the Imperial House of Corrino, has no home planet of its own but maintains a strong connection to the Imperial House by being based on Kaitain in Dune. This proximity allows House Fenring to establish Kaitain as its operational base and even briefly govern Caladan following Leto Atreides' demise.
At the helm of House Fenring is Count Hasimir Fenring, the current leader and a trusted adviser and friend to Emperor Shaddam IV. Alongside him is his wife, Lady Margot Fenring, both known for their astute political strategies. Hasimir, a skilled assassin, and Lady Margot, a prominent member of the Bene Gesserit, will play vital roles in the upcoming political dynamics of Dune 2, involving House Corrino and House Harkonnen.
The Bene Gesserit
Headquarters: Wallach IX
Lady Jessica staring at the camera with text all over her face and the wall in Dune (2021). - Headquarters: Wallach IX - The Bene Gesserit
The Bene Gesserit Order is a group of women who are spies, nuns, theologians, and scientists. They have a secret goal of creating a messiah called the Kwisatz Haderach to help humanity. The Bene Gesserit use a mix of politics, genetics, and religion to work towards this goal. They are also known as The Sisterhood and have been around for thousands of years. Their influence on shaping the development of humanity in the galaxy is so significant that they play a major role in the narrative of Dune 2.
The Spacing Guild
Members of the Spacing Guild undergo training that enhances their mental and physical abilities, giving them exceptionally sharp senses and the ability to perform complex calculations mentally. This specialized training sets them apart as superior beings in the human race, almost like a step in evolution. They have the remarkable ability to regulate their body chemistry and influence bodily processes that are typically beyond conscious control. The Reverend Mother Superior leads the Bene Gesserit, who have their headquarters located on the planet of Wallach IX.
Headquarters: Junction
One of the interstellar spacecraft from Dune. - Headquarters: Junction - The Spacing Guild
The Spacing Guild, a powerful entity in the Empire, holds a monopoly on space travel and international banking, making them incredibly influential. They use the spice melange to enable their Navigators to navigate through the stars for interstellar travel. As a crucial part of the Empire, they are not aligned with any house or order due to their control of interstellar travel, making them indispensable to all major houses and factions.
The Guild trains their Navigators at a school on a planet known as Junction, where the consumption of spice eventually leads them to live in tanks filled with melange vapor. In Dune: Part Two, the Guild plays a vital role by temporarily reducing the cost of space travel to aid Emperor Shaddam IV in strengthening his army before the Battle of Arrakis. The Guild's vulnerability lies in their dependence on spice to maintain their monopoly on interstellar travel, particularly since spice can only be found on Arrakis.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the major houses and political factions in Frank Herbert's Dune universe ahead of the upcoming release of Dune: Part Two. By introducing each house's home planet, leaders, and alliances, the article gives readers a solid foundation to understand the intricate power dynamics and motivations at play in the narrative.
The inclusion of historical context and connections to ancient Earth cultures adds depth to the characters and factions, making them more relatable and engaging. The article also highlights the significance of the Bene Gesserit and the Spacing Guild, two powerful organizations that wield influence beyond the control of individual houses. Overall, this article effectively sets the stage for Dune: Part Two, enhancing the reader's appreciation and understanding of the film's complex world and characters.
