The Sardaukar's Growing Defeat

Traces the Imperial elite soldiers from invincible reputation to their first defeats and final humiliation at Arrakeen.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Masked Terror

Masked Terror Hidden Hand Sardaukar wear Harkonnen uniforms during the attack on the Atreides. Their presence is officially denied. Brutality They trap Atreides soldiers in caves and murder prisoners, displaying the Emperor's ruthless power. The Great Houses fear them. First Evidence Fremen capture some Sardaukar and recognize their fighting skill. The Emperor's involvement is no longer a secret within Arrakis.

Fremen Overconfidence

Fremen Overconfidence Ambushes The Fremen study and kill Sardaukar patrols, learning their tactics. Each fight teaches the desert fighters how to erode Imperial superiority. Captured Contempt Hawat's interrogation and Fremen testimony reveal the Sardaukar have grown soft. Their fearsome reputation no longer matches their performance. Gladiator Quality Paul trains the Fedaykin to counter Sardaukar formations. The Emperor's sword begins to dull.

Raid on Sietch Tabr

Raid on Sietch Tabr Southern Strike Sardaukar troop carriers raid the southern sietch where women and children are hidden. They take prisoners, including Alia, and kill Paul's son. Desperate Capture The raiding force is almost overwhelmed by Fremen women and old men. The Sardaukar retreat with only a few captives. Fatal Mistake Their brutality turns the southern Fremen into bitter fighters. The raid secures Alia for the Emperor but ignites deeper fury.

Collapse at Arrakeen

Collapse at Arrakeen Storm and Atomics Paul's atomics breach the Shield Wall, and the Coriolis storm destroys the Sardaukar's shields and aircraft. They are left exposed. Worm Cavalry Fremen ride sandworms into the Imperial camp, collapsing morale. The Sardaukar for the first time face a force more fanatical than themselves. Capture of Emperor A Sardaukar bodyguard seals the Emperor into his ship, but victory is lost. The unbeaten soldiers are reduced to prisoners.

Exile of War Dogs

Exile of War Dogs Salusa Secundus The Emperor and his Sardaukar are sent to Salusa Secundus, where the army will be remade or withered. Paul plans to soften the harsh prison world. Lessons Learned Paul intends to create his own version of the Sardaukar from the Fremen. The old Imperial corps loses its unique edge. End of an Era The Sardaukar's mystique is broken, replaced by Fedaykin legend. Their defeat is complete.

the invasion of Arrakeen

during the desert war

the attack that kills Leto II

the Battle of Arrakeen

after Paul's ascension