*Warning: This article contains spoilers for Dune: Prophecy.*
Viewers of Dune: Prophecy are speculating that the ‘twice-born’ figure, crucial to the impending Reckoning, may not be who they initially thought. The Reckoning, also known as Tiran Arafel, would mark the end of a peaceful galactic order in the universe – and the Bene Gesserit sisters believe it is imminent.
Following the latest episode of the and series, fans have been sharing their theories after a shocking twist involving Lila. In the episode, a key part of the prophecy is revealed through Lila, as founding Reverend Mother Raquella Berto-Anirul speaks during Lila’s agony.
The prophecy states: “The key to the reckoning is one born twice. Once in blood. Once in spice.”
Upon hearing this, Reverend Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen assumes it refers to Desmond Hart, reports .
The prophecy could apply Desmond Hart (Image: HBO/SKY)
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Desmond is a soldier who has completed 12 tours of Arrakis and is the sole survivor of his regiment. In previous episodes, it is revealed that he was swallowed by a giant sandworm, known as Shai-Hulud, but miraculously escaped.
The episode concludes with the discovery that Desmond has acquired a ‘gift’ from Shai-Hulud, allowing him to cause people to burn from the inside out without physical contact. Desmond might align with the prophecy, yet some fans suspect Sister Lila (portrayed by Chloe Lea) is the ‘true’ subject.
On , a user by the name @Top_Pie8678 postulated: “At the meeting in the docks, a spy approached the sisters. The spy said Raquel spoke through Lila ‘the key to the reckoning is one twice born, once in blood and once in spice.’
“Valya automatically assumes this is Desmond Hart. I think it’s a red herring. I think it’s really Lila who died in the agony and was rejuvenated by the spice medical bay Tula put her in. The ‘key’ imo is going to be her turning into the first navigator. Thoughts?”
A fellow fan responded in the comments: “I think you’re onto something. what’s interesting to me is that the Agony here didn’t involve spice in the same way it does in the main Dune story in the future-the Agony there uses a poison derived from spice (the water of life.)
Chloe Lea plays Sister Lila (Image: HBO/SKY)
“Does the Reckoning involve new ways of making Reverend Mothers? Does Desmond’s powers coming from Arrakis mean that a RM created through spice is the key to defeating him?
“Also, Lila wasn’t fully prepared for the Agony-could she be susceptible to possession by an ancestor with ulterior motives? (her mother, perhaps? ) they don’t have wide experience with the Agony as it’s only a few decades old, so they might not be prepared for this.” (sic)
A third contemplated: “Yeah I think she is the real threat not Desmond hart but while the tank she is held in certainly is reminiscent of a navigator tank I don’t think she will turn into a navigator and she wouldn’t be the first one because Spacing Guild is already established by that time.”
And yet, another countered: “It could also refer to Paul Atreides. The ‘key’ imo is going to be her turning into the first navigator. The guild already exists at this point so doubtful.”
Travis Fimmel plays Desmond Hart (Image: HBO/SKY)
Social media users on X, once known as , have also pinpointed Lila as a character to keep an eye on, with one postulating: “Tula using the spice with the help of the thinking machine is CRAZY! I have so many questions about who else could be using this tech but I also have a feeling that Lila is the one to fear for the oncoming reckoning, not Desmond Hart.” (sic)
Echoing the sentiment, another added: “Why do I think the prophecy is referring to Lila and not Desmond Hart with the reveal of the thinking machine in the tunnels.”
Meanwhile, a different fan asserted: “It’s definitely not the end for Lila. She’s going to wake up but I feel like she will be resentful towards Tula.”
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.