Dune 2 continues the first book’s storyline, revealing a jaw-dropping truth about the Atreides and Harkonnen. The family lineage of the sworn enemies for centuries needs explaining.
In Dune, the Atreides have been at war with the Harkonnens for as long as anyone can remember. House Atreides is a formidable family and were seen as capable of becoming leaders. This made them a threat. In the first movie and the Dune books, they are gifted Arakkis from the Harkonnens at the wish of the Emperor.
It was all part of a greater plan to eradicate the Atreides bloodline with the help of the Harkonnens, though. Paul survived the attempted massacre alongside his mother Lady Jessica, and joined the Fremen.
As he becomes their Lisan Al’Gaib and continues the supposed prophecy, he learns a secret about a hidden connection. Let’s break down the Harkonnen and Atreides families in Dune 2. Warning: Spoilers ahead for Dune 2 and the books!
House Atreides family tree explained
The House of Atreides in Dune is one of the major houses and families within the Galactic Padishah Empire. According to stories, they are descendants of a noble Greek family from Earth. The family name comes from Atriedes King Agamemnon, a son of Atreus in Greek mythology.
House Atreides characters:
- Duke Leto Atreides
- Jessica Atreides
- Paul Atreides
- Alia Atredies
Duke Leto Atreides I
The Duke was often known as the Red Duke. Among his people, he was known for his fair morals and just leadership. He was the ruler of Caladan and father to Paul and Alia. Per the books and movie, Leto was married to Lady Jessica. She was trained the Bene Gesserit and became his concubine. The two fell in love against their wishes.
He was told by the Emperor to take Arrakis from the Harkonnens, who were his sworn enemies. His death occurred during the Harkonnens invasion of Arrakis to eliminate the Atreides bloodline. He was betrayed by his trusted Suk Doctor, Wellington Yueh. Face-to-face with Baron Harkonnen, he tried to kill him with a poisoned tooth but failed and died.
Jessica Atreides
Also known as Lady Jessica, she was trained from birth by the Bene Gesserit. Her relationship as a concubine with Leto Atreides was planned for a reason. But due to their genuine love for each other, she defied orders and gave birth to a son. Later on, She survived the massacre and escaped with Paul to the Fremen. It was later revealed she was pregnant with Alia.
She also became a Reverend Mother to the Fremen by drinking the Water of Life. It’s later revealed she is the illegitimate daughter of Baron Harkonnen.
Paul Atreides
Paul is at the center of the Dune, between houses Atreides and Harkonnens. He was the firstborn to Leto and Jessica and is believed to be the Lisan Al’Gaib from Fremen prophecies. He survived the massacre of the Atreides alongside his mother and was taken in by the Fremen. Over time, he becomes one of them and seeks revenge against the Harkonnens. He also falls in love with Chani as he leans into becoming the Mahdi to help lead the Fremen to freedom.
To gain full knowledge, he breaks the rules and drinks the Water of Life completing the prophecy. Paul succeeds in his mission to bring down the Harkonnen and takes the hand of the Emperor’s daughter. All to gain control and become the Emperor. With his mother being a Harkonnen, it made him the grandson of the Baron. In the books, he has two sons and a daughter.
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Alia Atreides
Alia was introduced in Dune 2, still growing in her mother’s womb. When Jessica drank the Water of Life, it changed the fetus, making her hyperaware and able to speak to her mother. She’s seen as an “abomination.” Alia is Paul’s younger sister and later known as Saint Alia of the Knife and Coan-Tean by the Fremen.
In the books, she becomes regent of the Atreides Empire. She established an entire government based on her personality. She later lept to her death while possessed by the spirit of her grandfather.
House Harkonnen family tree explained
The House of Harknonnen is one of the Great Houses of the Landsraad and comes from Giedi Prime. They are well known for their ancient feud with the Atreides and monstrous cruelty as rulers.
House Harkonnen characters:
- Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
- Glossu Rabban Harkonnen
- Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
In the books and movies, Baron Harkonnen was Leto Atreides’ sworn enemy. He ruled House Harkonnen and was the mastermind behind Leto’s death and the fall of the House of Atreides. The books detail his demi-brother Abulurd Harkonnen. As far as most people knew, the Baron had no children.
When Jessica became a Reverend Mother, it was revealed she was his illegitimate daughter. It’s unclear who was Jessica’s mother or how she came to be. This made him the grandfather of Paul and Alia Atreides and father-in-law of Leto. In the books, he was killed by Alia with the Gom Jabbar. But in the Dune 2 ending, Paul killed him.
Glossu Rabban Harkonnen
Rabban is the son of Abulurd Harkonnen and nephew of the Baron. He inherited his family’s penchant for violence and evil, but not necessarily smart. Under the Baron’s orders, he helped take over Arrakis and hunt down the Fremen. While taking over control of Arrakis, he was seen as less than ideal before his position was taken and given to his brother.
He too was responsible for the fall of the House of Atreides. In the books, he was killed by the Fremen. Dune 2 has him killed by Gurney instead.
Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
Feyd-Rautha is the favored niece of the Baron and son of Abulurd. Feyd-Rautha, although sadistic and unstable, was deemed more fit to take over the House of Harkonnen. He was meant to marry the daughter Jessica was to conceive, but it failed as she gave birth to Paul.
In Dune 2, he was chosen by the Bene Gesseret and had Margot Fenring secure his genetic material in case of his death. Feyd-Rautha was also meant to marry the Emperor’s daughter to create an alliance and rule of Arrakis. He did for some time in Dune 2 and books before being killed by Paul. Paul and Feyd-Rautha are cousins.
We’ve got time to dig into lore before Dune 3. So, for more on this universe, check out when does Dune take place or see what Dune gaming crossovers are out there. We’ve also got a list of new movies coming soon.
