The shocking twist involving Desmond Hart inDune: Prophecyproves that him and Paul Atreides are very similar characters. Paul Atreides is the most important character in theDunefilms. He is the heir of House Atreides, who was left stranded on Arrakis with his mother, Lady Jessica, after his family was betrayed by the Harkonnens. However, he successfully integrates himself with the Fremen inDune: Part Two, and eventually leads them in a battle against the forces of the Imperium.
Even thoughDune: Prophecytakes place10,000 years before the life of Paul Atreides, many aspects of the universe seen in the show are similar to theDunemovies. For example, Arrakis is still the most important planet in the universe, and the Imperium harvests spice from its surface. InDune: Prophecy, Desmond Hart was a warrior on Arrakis whosurvived being swallowed by a sandworm. Desmond Hart has been one of the most mysteriouscharacters inDune: Prophecy, butthe latest revelation about his heritage proves that he is the series' answer to Paul Atreides.
Desmond Hart Is Another Product Of The Harkonnen/Atreides Bloodline
The Atreides' and Harkonnen’s Are Significant Families In The Dune Universe
Ever since his arrival at the Emperor’s palace at the start ofDune: Prophecy, it has been unclear exactly who Desmond Hart is. It has been theorized thatDesmond Hart could potentially be a ghola, which is an artificially created clone of a person, or that he was perhaps sent by Shai-Hulud, the One God who the Fremen believe created and governs the entire universe. However, after Valya collects a sample of his blood,the ending ofDune: Prophecyepisode 5 reveals that Desmond is actually part Harkonnen and part Atreides.
While Paul was raised as an Atreides, Desmond was abandoned and forced to pave his own way.
The flashback scenes inDune: Prophecyepisode 3 reveal that Tula Harkonnen, who now leads the Bene Gesserit with her sister, once dated Orry Atreides. While dating him, she accompanied him on a hunt which was also attended by every other Atreides.Seeking vengeance for her brother’s death, Tula murdered every single Atreides, except for one. However, this wasn’t before she slept with Orry. The show has not yet revealed why or how she abandoned her and Orry’s baby, but it is likely that this baby ended up being Desmond Hart.
Similarly, a majorDune: Part Twotwist revealed that Lady Jessica is the daughter of Baron Harkonnen. While she didn’t know about her true parentage until the events ofDune: Part Two, this twist confirmed that Paul is also part Harkonnen and part Atreides. Therefore,both Desmond and Paul have similar bloodlines. However, while Paul was raised as an Atreides, Desmond was abandoned and forced to pave his own way, which suggests that he may be seeking revenge against his mother.
Desmond Hart & Paul Atreides Are Both Powerful, Prophesied Characters
Unclear Prophecies Are Connected To Both Desmond Hart & Paul Atreides
Even though Demsond Hart was abandoned as a baby and essentially turned into a nobody, he became a famed warrior after several tours on Arrakis. While it remains unclear exactly how Desmond survived the sandworm attack, it is possible that the sandworm let him live after realizing his bloodline. After surviving the sandworm attack,Desmond reveals he has a mysterious power that allows him to burn people alive. Additionally, he seems to be connected to the prophecy that the Bene Gesserit refer to as"The Reckoning" inDune: Prophecy. Therefore, he is clearly an extremely important figure in the Imperium.
What “Bashar” Means In Dune: Prophecy & Why Desmond Hart Was Given The Title
Emperor Javicco Corrino gives the mysteriously powerful Desmond Hart the esteemed rank of Bashar in Dune: Prophecy episode 5 “In Blood, Truth”.
Similarly, Paul Atreides is a prophesied figure in theDunemovies. Many of the Fremen people refer to him asLisan al Gaib inDune: Part Two. Lisan al Gaib can be translated to “Giver of Water,” and is the prophesied Messiah of the Fremen people. The Fremen believe that Lisan al Gaib is an outsider who will save the people of Arrakis. InDune: Part Two,the Fremen rally behind Paul and become his army in his war against the Harkonnens and the other royal houses. It is clear that Desmond and Paul are both powerful characters who can influence others to side with them in the wars of the Imperium.
Desmond Hart Is Now The Most Important Character In Dune: Prophecy
The Reveal Of Desmond’s True Identity Will Have A Major Impact
ThroughoutDune: Prophecy,Desmond Hart has risen from a warrior who was believed to be dead to one of the most trusted allies of the Emperor of the Imperium. Desmond has been Valya’s main opposition throughout the season, and now his threat level has risen even more. After the reveal that Desmond is an Atreides and a Harkonnen, he has undoubtedly become the most important character inDune: Prophecy. This revelation connects him to two families that are going to become significantly more powerful in the future.
Desmond Hart actually wasn’t a character in the novel thatDune: Prophecyis based on, 2012’sSisterhood of Dune, and was created solely for the show.
His true identity could also lead to the downfall of Valya Harkonnen, who has served as the main character inDune: Prophecy. For years, she has been orchestrating events in the Imperium with the help of her sister. However,the fact that Desmond is Tula’s son will significantly complicate their relationship, and could even lead to them turning against each other. Overall, the reveal ofDesmond Hart’s true identitywill impact almost every character’s life inDune: Prophecy.
Does Desmond Hart Show Where Paul Will Go Wrong?
Both Desmond Hart & Paul Atreides Have Dark Sides
While there are not necessarily many truly good characters inDune: Prophecy,Desmond Hart has without a doubt been portrayed as a villain. He has proven to be a ruthless warrior who was even capable of burning a child alive. Since he is a Harkonnen and an Atreides, just like Paul, it’s possible that theDunemovie’s protagonist will also go down this dark path.
Dune 3 Is Happening Much Quicker Than Messiah’s Story Should & I Hope 1 Detail Isn’t Changed
Development on Dune 3 is moving quicker than expected for a Dune Messiah adaptation, and it hopefully doesn’t mean Villeneuve changes this detail.
Dune: Part Twoalready showed a much darker version of Paul Atreides. Paul’s arc inDune: Part Twoshowcased the dangerous side of being prophesied as a Messiah. Paul believes that fighting with the Fremen is his destiny, butit is all too easy for someone to use their destiny as an excuse to perform truly horrific acts. Therefore, it’s possible that Paul will do terrible things in the thirdDunemovie, just like Desmond Hart inDune: Prophecy.
Dune: Prophecy
Cast
Set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, Dune: Prophecy, a sci-fi epic, follows the political and spiritual struggles on the desert planet of Arrakis. As factions vie for control of the prized spice melange, a prophesied hero emerges, challenging the balance of power and the fate of the galaxy.
