The thrilling finale of “Sisterhood Above All” in episode three of Dune: Prophecy dives into the enigmatic past and precarious future of Tula Harkonnen, leaving audiences captivated. Adapted from the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert—son of the iconic Frank Herbert—this six-part series gives insight into the origins of the formidable Bene Gesserit sisterhood.
Set over 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ emergence, famously portrayed in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2020) and the anticipated sequel Dune: Part Two (2024), Dune: Prophecy unveils the clandestine machinations of this intriguing group as they manipulate humanity’s fate.
Emily Watson shines as Valya Harkonnen, a ruthless and strategic commander, sharing the screen with her sister Tula Harkonnen. First introduced in “The Hidden Hand,” the intricate relationship between the Harkonnen sisters lays the groundwork for the series.
Episode 2 further explores the narrative, portraying the tragic demise of Lila alongside her grandmother, Reverend Mother Dorotea, due to Tula and Valya’s pressuring her into the perilous Agony ritual before she was ready. By Episode 3, the plot escalates as Tula, clinging to hope amidst Lila’s presumed death, resorts to using forbidden Thinking Machines concealed by Valya and the Bene Gesserit in a desperate effort to resurrect her sister.
Dune: Prophecy – The Fate of Griffin Harkonnen
Griffin Harkonnen, the sole brother of Valya and Tula, emerges as a captivating character in Episode 3 of Dune: Prophecy. Once a dominant force, the Harkonnen family has fallen from grace, shunned by the Imperium and now existing in exile on their home planet, Lankiveil, where they rely on harvesting whale fur to survive.
This decline is rooted in a historical act of alleged cowardice attributed to an ancestor during the Battle of Corrin, a stain blamed on Vorian Atreides that perpetuates a cycle of shame. Despite these obstacles, Valya Harkonnen emerges as a bold and defiant leader, unwavering in her quest to restore the family’s honor.
Griffin informs his family that he is heading to Zimia, the capital of Salusa Secundus, having received an approval from the Landsraad for a lucrative whale fur trading contract. He also plans to confront Vorian Atreides, whom Valya accuses of dishonoring House Harkonnen. It is implied that this encounter results in Griffin’s demise, fulfilling Valya’s wishes for vengeance.
Dune: Prophecy – The Reason Behind Tula Harkonnen’s Actions Against Orry Atreides
The animosity towards House Atreides drives Valya and Tula Harkonnen in a relentless pursuit of retribution, motivated by the loss of their brother Griffin and the disgrace of their lineage. While Valya immerses herself in rigorous training with the Bene Gesserit, Tula cunningly infiltrates Caladan, the Atreides’ home planet, masking her true identity.
During her time there, Tula seemingly forms a romantic connection with Orry Atreides. Their relationship blossomed quickly, culminating in a marriage proposal. However, Orry’s joy turns to heartbreak upon learning of Tula’s Harkonnen lineage.
Devastated further by the brutal slayings of his family members, Tula executes Valya’s directive, eliminating Orry as part of their plans for avenging her brother, intensifying the long-standing feud between the two Houses.
Dune: Prophecy – The Symbolism of the Bull in House Harkonnen
Tula employs a swift poison to kill Orry; nevertheless, the massacre of over two dozen members of House Atreides remains a mystery. A mythical black bull appears momentarily after Tula slays Orry, yet spares a young Atreides boy, likely Keiran.
Episode 3 of Dune: Prophecy leaves the bull’s involvement ambiguous, but it implies that it may be responsible for the carnage, as Tula alone could not have achieved such a feat. The name Harkonnen, derived from the Finnish name “Härkönen,” translates to “Oxy” or “Ox-like person,” which reinforces the bull’s representation of House Harkonnen.
Dune: Prophecy – Raquella’s Insights to Valya in the Tunnels
In Episode 3, Mother Reverend Superior Raquella becomes intrigued by Valya Harkonnen, recognizing her struggles in training, and provides her with mentorship that distinguishes her from fellow Bene Gesserit trainees. Raquella unveils a grand vision: to create a comprehensive genetic index aimed at breeding the ideal rulers of the Imperium.
Impressed by Valya’s mastery of The Voice, Raquella chooses her to pursue this ambitious project, sidestepping her more conventional daughter, Dorotea. Instead of adhering to traditional teachings, Valya receives exclusive mentorship in navigating genetic breeding using clandestine Thinking Machine technologies developed within secret tunnels. This endeavor holds potential to reshape the Bene Gesserit’s destiny and possibly the galaxy’s future.
Dune: Prophecy – Valya Harkonnen’s Agony Experience
The specifics surrounding Valya’s self-enacted Agony ritual, conducted in isolation at Lankiveil, remain obscured. In Episode 2, Valya joins her Harkonnen female ancestors in an ethereal spiritual domain akin to Lila’s previous experience.
Upon surviving The Agony, Valya returns to reality revitalized and more resolute about her future. Feeling alienated by her parents and displeased with her Lankiveil existence, Valya pledges loyalty to her newfound family, the Sisterhood, solidifying her commitment by reconnecting with Mother Reverend Superior Raquella.
Dune: Prophecy – Valya Harkonnen’s Visit at Episode 3’s Conclusion
In a present-day tableau, Valya visits her ailing father, Evengy Harkonnen, along with her nephew, Harrow Harkonnen. Ascending to Evengy’s home, she reflects in the elevator, “You have to make sacrifices. Sisterhood is paramount.” The scene abruptly ends, leaving viewers to ponder the implications.
Valya’s urgent situation unfolds against her barred access to Salusa Secundus, following a failed attempt to assassinate Desmond Hart. Her decisions may lead her to offer her father and nephew as pawns to secure position or exert control.
Dune: Prophecy – Tula Harkonnen’s Resurrection Attempt for Lila
As Episode 3 culminates, Tula’s desperation peaks as she employs Raquella and Valya’s genetic indexing devices to attempt Lila’s revival using an intricate spice formula. In a poignant display of loyalty to the Sisterhood, Tula’s determination to rescue Lila, despite not being her biological mother, underscores her emotional connection, as she had raised Lila following her mother’s death during childbirth—or at least that is the narrative Tula conveys.
About Dune: Prophecy
Dune: Prophecy is an upcoming American science fiction television series that transports viewers into the Dune universe, originally conceived by Frank Herbert, exclusively for the streaming platform Max. By focusing on the inception of the clandestine Bene Gesserit sisterhood—whose members undergo rigorous physical and mental training to achieve superhuman capacities—the series positions itself approximately 10,000 years prior to the plot of Herbert’s seminal novel Dune (1965), serving as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic adaptations.
Following Legendary Entertainment’s acquisition of film and television rights for the Dune franchise in 2016, development for a dual-part film adaptation commenced, with Villeneuve at the helm as director by 2017. The series was green-lit in 2019 as a spinoff generated from Villeneuve’s films.
The plot chronicles the struggles of sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen as they confront looming threats to humanity’s future and establish the legendary sect known as the Bene Gesserit.
Leave a Reply