The Final Duel at Arrakeen

Dune

Traces the climax between Paul and Feyd-Rautha, the last armed assertion of Harkonnen power.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Challenge of Kanly

Challenge of Kanly Legal Pretext Feyd-Rautha invokes kanly, the ancient Atreides-Harkonnen feud, to demand single combat with Paul. He hopes to kill the upstart Duke and inherit the victory. Paul's Acceptance Paul strips off his stillsuit and accepts the challenge, overruling Gurney Halleck's plea. He refuses special advantages, including the secret Word. Ritual Words Paul answers the Harkonnen taunt with the Fremen curse: May thy knife chip and shatter. The duel is set.

Soporific on the Emperor's Blade

Soporific on the Emperor's Blade Hidden Drug The Emperor's blade is coated with a soporific that can slow Paul's muscles. He is cut on the arm and feels the numbness begin. Metabolic Response Paul alters his body chemistry to neutralize the drug. Feyd still presses the attack, feinting and overfeinting. First Blood Paul wounds Feyd slightly, letting him taste pain and uncertainty. The Harkonnen begins to fear his poison is matched.

Needle on the Hip

Needle on the Hip Trap Revealed Feyd wrestles Paul to the floor and exposes a poison flip-dart hidden on his hip. It is the Harkonnen treachery within treachery. Struggle of Strength Paul uses Bene Gesserit muscle control to turn their bodies. He avoids the needle and reverses the hold. Word of Control Refused Jessica's lesson about the secret word Uroshnor would have saved Paul, but he refuses to use it. He wants victory without special advantage.

Crysknife Under the Jaw

Crysknife Under the Jaw Fatal Thrust Paul slides his crysknife up under Feyd-Rautha's jaw into the brain. The Harkonnen heir dies instantly. Silence of the Hall For a moment the Great Hall is utterly still. Gurney grieves that he did not get his own moment of revenge. Harkonnen End The male line of the Baron is extinguished. Paul's victory over Feyd completes the destruction of House Harkonnen.

Throne After Blood

Throne After Blood Negotiations Begin With Feyd dead, the Emperor has no military champion left. He must negotiate with Paul. Symbol of Power Paul's duel proves his personal as well as military superiority. Even Count Fenring, the only man who might defeat him, refuses the task. New Order A dead Harkonnen is followed by an Atreides on the throne. Kanly ends with one house dissolved and the other imperially supreme.

after the Emperor's surrender

the beginning of the duel

the middle of the duel

the end of the duel

immediately after the duel