Emperor Harkonnen Conspiracy and Collapse

Dune

Reveals the hidden alliance between Shaddam IV and Baron Harkonnen to destroy House Atreides, and how the conspiracy backfires.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Baron's War Council

Baron's War Council Plan Within Plan Baron Vladimir Harkonnen reveals his trap to Piter de Vries and Feyd-Rautha. Duke Leto will be given Arrakis and then destroyed by overwhelming force. Emperor's Secret Two legions of Sardaukar will be disguised in Harkonnen livery. The Emperor supports the plan because Leto has grown too popular. Suborned Doctor Yueh has already been broken through his wife Wanna. The Harkonnens hold an ultimate lever over the Suk doctor.

Disguised Invasion

Disguised Invasion Massed Force More than a hundred brigades land on Arrakis, including Sardaukar dressed as Harkonnens. The scale of the assault shocks Thufir Hawat. Fall of Cities Arrakeen and Carthag are overwhelmed. Duke Leto's troops retreat into caves where artillery traps them. Imperial Deniability The Emperor's role is hidden even from most observers. Only the Great Houses' spies learn of the Sardaukar presence.

Baron's Overreach

Baron's Overreach Rabban's Brutality The Baron gives Glossu Rabban a free hand to squeeze Arrakis. Rabban's atrocities create a hatred that the Fremen will use. Hawat Enslaved Thufir Hawat is poisoned and forced to serve the Baron. The Mentat's calculations guide Harkonnen policy and inadvertently protect Paul. Imperial Suspicion Count Fenring warns the Baron that the Emperor is displeased. The conspiracy begins to unravel under its own weight.

Emperor's Final Gamble

Emperor's Final Gamble Public Presence Shaddam IV lands on Arrakis with five legions of Sardaukar and his court. He expects to crush Muad'Dib and restore Harkonnen order. Alia's Arrival Sardaukar raid the southern sietch and capture Alia Atreides. The Emperor realizes that Muad'Dib is an Atreides, and the danger is personal. Desperate Hostage The Emperor tries to use Alia as a hostage. She instead kills Baron Harkonnen and escapes into the storm of battle.

Surrender and Exile

Surrender and Exile Terms Paul demands the Emperor's abdication and the CHOAM holdings as dowry. Shaddam IV is sent to Salusa Secundus. Marital Alliance Princess Irulan becomes Paul's wife, bridging the Atreides and Corrino lines. The conspiracy ends with the Emperor reduced to a pensioner. New Power House Atreides rises above the Harkonnen conspiracy. The Baron's plots decay into proverbs of overreach.

before the Atreides left Caladan

the Harkonnen attack on Arrakeen

the two years after the Atreides fall

the landing of the Emperor at Arrakeen

the aftermath of Paul's victory