The HBO series Dune: Prophecy explores 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides, providing a glimpse into the origins of the feud between the Harkonnens and the Atreides families. According to Brian Herbert’s books set in the Dune universe, including The Battle of Corrin, the rivalry began with A.I. enslaving humans millennia ago.
A group of human rebels, led by Vorian Atreides, fought against the “thinking machines” that held two million humans captive. Bashar Abulurd Harkonnen disagreed with Vorian’s plan to sacrifice the captives, and his betrayal resulted in a bloody battle. The Imperium banished Abulurd to a desolate planet where his family could eke out a living.
Valya, the main antagonist of Dune: Prophecy, speaks about her family legacy with intensity, citing restoring their honor as the reason for her actions. Her hatred for the Atreides clan stems from her great-grandfather’s supposed cowardice in being banished by an Atreides after the Battle of Corrin.
This ancient rivalry adds context to Valya’s ruthless pursuit of becoming Mother Superior of the Sisterhood and her vendetta against the Atreides family. The show’s portrayal of this historical event may not be considered canon, but it provides a compelling explanation for the motivations behind Valya’s actions.
The series also introduces Keiran Atreides, the swordmaster to the Emperor, who seems more interested in seducing Princess Ynez Corrino than engaging with Valya’s vendetta. The tension between these characters sets the stage for an exciting conflict that will likely have significant implications for the Dune universe.
Overall, Dune: Prophecy sheds light on a pivotal moment in the history of the Atreides and Harkonnen families, providing a rich backstory for the characters and plotlines to come.
Source: https://time.com/7174130/dune-prophecy-atreides-harkonnen-feud