**HBO’s *Dune: Prophecy* Explores 10,000 Years Before Paul Atreides’ Ascendancy**
HBO’s *[Dune: Prophecy](https://mashable.com/article/dune-prophecy-review-hbo)* delves into the *[Dune](https://mashable.com/category/dune)* universe, occurring 10,000 years prior to Paul Atreides’ rise. With such a vast leap in time, audiences are acquainted with an entirely fresh ensemble of characters, which can be daunting given the intricate mythology of the *Dune* saga.
But no worries! We’ve assembled a thorough character guide to assist you in traversing the elaborate landscape of *Dune: Prophecy*, from the enigmatic Sisterhood to the formidable Imperial Royal Family. By the conclusion, you’ll be well-acquainted with the main figures of this grand tale.
### The Sisterhood on Wallach IX
Drawing inspiration from *Sisterhood of Dune*, a novel by Brian Herbert (son of *Dune* creator Frank Herbert) and Kevin J. Anderson, *Dune: Prophecy* centers on the early era of the Bene Gesserit, when they were merely referred to as “the Sisterhood.” The plot unfolds more than a century after the Butlerian Jihad, a conflict waged against “thinking machines” (or AI), which led to the prohibition of all computers.
In the absence of AI, new powers, including the Sisterhood, emerged. On the rain-soaked planet Wallach IX, the Sisterhood prepares young women to serve the Great Houses as Truthsayers, leveraging their influence to mold the future of the Imperium. Prominent personalities include:
– **Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson):** The current head of the Sisterhood, Valya was a trusted associate of the order’s founder, Mother Raquella. She aims to transform the Sisterhood into an indomitable force and expand the limits of human capability. Valya is also intent on rejuvenating House Harkonnen’s image, which suffered after the Butlerian Jihad due to their adversaries, House Atreides.
– **Reverend Mother Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams):** Valya’s younger sibling, Tula often aligns herself with her sister’s directives. Nonetheless, a looming threat to the Sisterhood may create a rift between them.
– **Reverend Mother Kasha (Jihae):** A close companion of Valya and Tula, Kasha serves the Emperor Javicco Corrino as the Truthsayer.
– **Sister Francesca (Tabu):** Another ally of Valya and Tula, Francesca once had a romantic entanglement with the Emperor.
### The Acolytes of the Sisterhood
Alongside the high-ranking Truthsayers, *Dune: Prophecy* brings to light a cadre of acolytes, each charting their own course within the Sisterhood:
– **Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka):** A committed acolyte bursting with potential, Theo conceals a perilous secret while striving to rise as the finest Truthsayer she can be.
– **Sister Jen (Faoileann Cunningham):** Emotionally reserved and doubtful of the Sisterhood’s doctrines, Jen is among the most erratic acolytes.
– **Sister Emeline (Aoife Hinds):** Raised in an anti-technology Butlerian home, Emeline is devout and frequently seen poring over the Orange Catholic Bible, a crucial scripture in the *Dune* realm.
– **Sister Lila (Chloe Lea):** The youngest of the acolytes, Lila grew up within the Sisterhood. Her compassion and kindness may lead her to greatness — or render her susceptible to manipulation.
### The Imperial Royal Family on Salusa Secundus
In *Dune*, Salusa Secundus is recognized as the Emperor’s penal colony, where Sardaukar warriors undergo training. However, millennia earlier, it was the stronghold of the Imperial House Corrino. This opulent world is home to the Imperial Royal Family, including:
– **Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong):** The sovereign of the Imperium, Javicco is committed to sustaining peace following the machine wars. However, his control over the spice-abundant planet Arrakis is faltering, a dilemma that will plague his successors for ages.
– **Empress Natalya Arat Corrino (Jodhi May):** Natalya played a key role in unifying the Imperium through her marriage to Javicco, yet she longs to play a more significant role, even as her husband begins to disregard her advice.
– **Princess Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina):** The successor to the Golden Lion throne, Ynez is resolved to become a remarkable leader. She joins the Sisterhood, aspiring to be the first