Viewers of Dune: Prophecy will undoubtedly be keen to delve deeper into The Great Houses of the Imperium, which play a crucial role in this chilling prequel series.
Fans familiar with Denis Villeneuve’s grandiose film saga will recognise descendants of characters such as Paul Atreides (), who emerges 10,000 years later.
The and series centres on two Harkonnen sisters battling forces that jeopardise the future of humanity, while establishing the influential religious order that will evolve into the Bene Gesserit.
Drawing inspiration from Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson’s novel, Sisterhood of Dune, the show is set within the expansive Dune universe originally conceived by author Frank Herbert.
and also prominently features the house of Corrino, with Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) reigning over the Imperium as the series commences. But what is the backstory of these great houses – and who are the key figures?
The Great Houses are an important part of Dune (Image: HBO/SKY)
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What are the Great Houses?
Dune unfolds in a future where most power positions are inherited through family lines, with the Emperor representing the latest in a 10,000-year dynasty, reports the .
Most of the Houses boast ancient roots and regularly vie for supremacy, with the rivalry between House Atreides and House Harknonnen often taking centre stage in the narrative.
Not all Houses are created equal, as they are categorised into Houses Major and Houses Minor. Some function from a single planet, while others boast vast dynasties that span solar systems.
Houses Minor can ascend to a higher rank with adequate profit, while Houses Major typically own larger portions of the universe.
House Atreides only has one key player at the opening of Dune: Prophecy (Image: HBO/SKY)
What is the Landsraad?
The Great Houses constitute a governing body known as the Landsraad, which convenes regularly to maintain beneficial alliances.
All trade negotiations, arranged marriages and – indeed – even declarations of vendetta must pass through the Landsraad.
It operates as a democratic body, allocating proportional votes in the Grand Council and governing planets individually.
House Harkonnen plays an important role in Dune: Prophecy (Image: HBO/SKY)
What are the most important Great Houses?
The most prominent Great Houses in the Dune narrative are Atreides, Harkonnen, and Corrino.
The perpetual feud between Houses Atreides and Harkonnen spans millennia following a disagreement over the Butlerian Jihad, a galactic war against thinking machines.
House Corrino seized the Imperium after their performance in the Jihad and make the most critical decisions in the Imperium.
Dune: Prophecy stars Mark Strong (Image: HBO/SKY)
However, there are at least 30 other Great Houses in the galaxy, including:
House Fenring: The patriarch of House Fenring plays a pivotal role in the downfall of House Atreides in the first Dune film.
House Ginaz: This house is renowned for its elite Swordmaster School and trains highly-skilled warriors.
House Halleck: The family of Gurney Halleck, known for their wealth amassed through minstrel work and the construction of musical instruments, emerges as a crucial ally to House Atreides during Paul’s era.
House Vernius: This venerable House, recognised as an industrial titan, constructed the inaugural Heighliner spaceships capable of surpassing light speed.
Dune: Prophecy airs Mondays at 2am in the UK, exclusively on Sky Atlantic and NOW. This coincides with its 9pm ET/6pm PT airdate in the US, where you can watch it on HBO or Max.