Dune: Prophecyepisode 2 sees Desmond Hart resisting Valya Harkonnen’s use of the Voice, among other shocking moments that may require explanation. The HBO prequel show is set 10,000 years before the films onDune’stimeline, examining the early stages of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood as it rises to prominence in the Imperium. Episode 1 established several factions as well as the original character Desmond Hart, who’s still the biggest question mark in the show’s first season. Thepremiere saw Hart miraculously murder Pruwet Richese and Reverend Mother Kasha, while episode 2 sees him face the consequences of his actions.

Emily Watson leadsDune: Prophecy’scastas Mother SuperiorValya Harkonnen, whoends the episode by trying to kill Desmond Hart in the same manner that she killed Reverend Mother Dorotea by using the Voiceto have her stab herself in the neck. Desmond Hart manages to resist her command. Emperor Javicco Corrino has Desmond Hart use his powers on Duke Ferdinand Richese but ultimately decides to spare him. On Wallach IX, Tula Harkonnen has Sister Lila try to commune with Mother Superior Raquella through her genetic memory, and though this unlocks pertinent information, Lila dies in the process.

Water of Life from Dune 2

How Desmond Hart Resists The Voice In Dune: Prophecy Episode 2’s Ending

Desmond Hart’s Powers Are Still Unclear

Desmond Harthas been shown to have mysterious powers inDune: Prophecythat don’t exist in the books, sothe exact nature of his abilities is hard to measure. He has the power to burn someone from their insides, which he can start and stop on a whim, which he claims comes from being swallowed up by a sandworm on Arrakis, which Emperor Javicco saw in the footage at the end of episode 1. Within there, he could have gained powers from the Water of Life, spice, or some other unknown phenomenon.

“Shai-Hulud” is the Fremen term for a sandworm of Arrakis.

It’s possible to resistthe Voice inDune, as the mind can be trained to ignore its effect. Duncan Idaho trains with Paul in the books to build an immunity to it. However, episode 1 showed that, at this point in time,the Voice is a new development, so it wouldn’t make a ton of sense if Desmond Hart had mastered this skillalready. It’s probably due to whatever mystical powers he possesses, which should be further explored throughout the season with more context for his backstory.

Lila’s Genetic Memory & Dune Water Of Life Connection Explained

Lila Undergoes A Similar Bene Gesserit Process To What’s Seen In Dune: Part Two

Dune: Prophecyepisode 2 reveals that Lila is a descendant of Mother Superior Raquella and Reverend Mother Dorotea, who’s been raised by Tula Harkonnen. Tula hopes to access more information from Raquella regarding her prophecy of the reckoning. So, Tula lies to Lila about what happened to Dorotea, knowing that she was killed by Valya, butplants the idea in her head that she may be able to see her mother if she enters her genetic memory. This is done through a process that involves the Rossak drug, which would later be replaced by the Water of Life.

Lila isn’t well-trained enough to convert the poison that would allow her to survive

Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul (Cathy Tyson) being prepared for her funeral in Dune: Prophecy Season 1 Ep 1

To become a Reverend Mother inDune, Sisters must drink the Rossak poison, granting them access to their genetic memory. Thisallows them to see the memories of their female ancestors, but the process forces them to undergo great pain called the Agony. InDune: Prophecy, Lila isn’t well-trained enough to convert the poison that would allow her to survive, and she ultimately perishes from the decision, but not before revealing some fascinating information.

What Mother Superior Raquella’s Prophecy Really Means

Raquella’s Prophecy Seems To Point To Desmond Hart

When inside her genetic memory, Lila crosses paths with both Raquella and Dorotea. First, Raquella shares more information regarding the prophecy, which can be read below. Thewords describe a soldier who was reborn from spice and is described as being full of scars, sounding almost exactly like Desmond Hart, which could imply that the spice is what gives him his power. It’s important to note that rebirth is also vital to Paul Atreides becoming the Kwisatz Haderach, if the “reckoning” refers to Paul’s holy war.

A revenant full of scars.

A weapon born of war on a path too short.

Dorotea is the next person Lila sees, and she reveals that Valya Harkonnen was the one who killed her. She takes over Lila’s body to tell Tula that she’s “taking her hope” in return for cutting her life short, then kills Lila by forcing her to consume the poison. Tula may have used Lila, but she does show genuine love for her, and her death should cause issues among the Sisters, especially Jen.

Keiran Atreides & The Rebellion Explained

Keiran Atreides Is Working Against House Corrino

Keiran Atreides was rather subtle in the first episode ofDune: Prophecy, but the second reveals a bit more about his role on the show. He’s part of a rebellion actively working against House Corrino and the Great Houses because the wealth from spice flow only benefits the nobility of the Imperium. Keiran believes in his cause, buthe’s torn now due to his affection for Princess Ynez. His loyalty to the rebellion might falter throughout the season, which could be a problem for him with Valya Harkonnen finding out that he’s a spy.

What Emperor Javicco Corrino’s Decision Means For Dune: Prophecy Season 1

Emperor Javicco Has Pushed The Sisterhood Aside - Will He Regret It?

One of the final scenes ofDune: Prophecyepisode 2 sees Javicco Corrino facing off with Duke Ferdinand Richese in the throne room. Rather than take insults like he has so many times, he commands Desmond Hart to use his torturous ability on the Duke, causing him to fall to the floor suffering. Earlier in the episode, Natalya tried to convince Javicco to put Desmond Hart to use rather than imprison him, and Javicco listens. He still shows mercy to Richese, rather than having him killed, butdoes enough damage to demonstrate his strength.

Dune Properly Explains Why There Are No Computers Or Machines In Denis Villeneuve’s Movies

Dune: Prophecy explains why there aren’t any computers in the Dune films. Here’s our breakdown of what happens in the show and the lore behind it.

Importantly, listening to Desmond Hart means that Javicco is siding against Valya Harkonnen and the Sisterhood. He’s listened to Desmond, who claims that the Sisterhood has ultimately weakened the emperor by orchestrating events from the shadows.Whether Desmond can be trusted is to be seen, as it’s unclear whether he’s the one who’s going to cause or prevent the destruction that Raquella foresaw. The rest ofDune: Prophecyseason 1 will show Javicco reckoning with this choice, one way or the other.

Keiran Atreides (Chris Mason) in Dune: Prophecy Season 1 Ep 1

Dune: Prophecy

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.

Natalya (Jodhi May) and Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) meet their daughter Ynez’s fiancé in Dune: Prophecy Season 1 Ep 1

Paul Atreides from the Dune movies with the Thinking Machines from Dune Prophecy

Dune Prophecy Poster