The Blessed Feud: Origins and Causes of the Age-Old Rivalry Between House Atreides and House Harkonnen in Dune

Dune, a monumental work by Frank Herbert, unfolds a rich universe filled with ancient feuds, political power struggles, and complex family dynamics. Among the most notable and enduring of these feuds is that between the House Atreides and the House Harkonnen. Frank Herbert himself provided a brief yet poignant summary:

The Inception of the Feud

An Atreides banished a Harkonnen for cowardice following the battle of Corinn, is all Herbert had to say on the matter. However, the origins of this long-standing conflict delve much deeper. The feud between the Houses, as we know it, began long before the pivotal events of the original Dune.

Preceding the Revolution

Almost 10,000 years prior to the events that unfold in Dune, both the House Atreides and the House Harkonnen were paramount military figures in humanity's war against the thinking machines. In this context, their relationship was not only one of military leadership but also of personal friendship, as recorded in the Appendices of the Dune series. This peace and camaraderie crumbled in the climactic Battle of Corrin.

Springboard to Conflict

The Battle of Corrin was a defining moment in human history. The leader of the human fleet, an Atreides, ordered the bombardment of the thinking machine's homeworld, which was known to contain millions of human slaves and hostages. This order required unwavering courage and conviction, yet one Harkonnen, Bashar Abulurd Harkonnen, refused to carry it out. According to Appendix IV, he gave in to his fears and hesitations, thereby showing cowardice.

Shadows of Jealousy and Betrayal

The Atreides' refusal of this order, despite the grave consequences, left an indelible mark on their relationship. It was this cowardice that sealed the bond of friendship between the two houses into a blood feud. The rift was not merely a historical event but a pivotal point of revenge and betrayal that set in motion the events of the Dune saga.

Continued Hostility

The specific catalyst in the book is when Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV rescinds Baron Vladimir Harkonnen's stewardship of Arrakis and grants it to Duke Leto Atreides, the First of Caladan. Arrakis, also known as Dune, is the sole source of the spice Melange, essential to space travel, and thus holds unparalleled value. This act incited Baron Harkonnen's resentment and desire to eliminate House Atreides to reclaim Arrakis and control over the spice.

Conclusion and Reflection

The Atreides-Harkonnen feud is a testament to the complexities of human nature within the Dune universe. It is not merely a story of honor and betrayal but a deep-seated enmity rooted in primal emotions and historical grievances. Understanding the origins of this age-old feud not only enriches our appreciation of Frank Herbert’s intricate storytelling but also sheds light on the enduring nature of conflicts and their impact on generations to come.