WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Dune: Prophecy episode 2.
The HBO prequel series Dune: Prophecy suggests that one character is the key to The Reckoning. Dune: Prophecy is a six-part series based on the 2012 novel Dune Brotherhoodwhich was written by the original Dune son of author Frank Herbert, Brian, and Kevin J. Anderson. The story takes place more than 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreidies, narrated in the book by Denis Villenueve. Dune (2020) and Dune: Part Two (2024). Dune: Prophecy reveals the origins of the powerful shadow brotherhood known as the Bene Gesserit and how they manipulated the destiny of humanity.
Dune: Prophecy Episode 2 reveals what happened to Lila and her grandmother, Reverend Mother Dorotea, after Tula and Valya Harkoennen encouraged her to prematurely endure a life-threatening ritual known as The Agony. Valya had been anticipating The Reckoning, also known as Tiran Arafel, for years, and wanted Lila to visit the spirit of her great-grandmother, Mother Superior Raquella, for guidance. The Tiran Arafel involves “a sacred judgment brought about by a tyrant“, which could end up being led by the dangerous Desmond Hart.
Dune: Prophecy suggests Desmond Hart is the “key to reckoning”
Raquella’s words of warning through Lila during The Agony tell it all
After the shocking ending of Dune: Prophecy episode 1, Desmond Hart proved to be a dangerous enemy of Valya Harkonnen and a powerful ally of Emperor Javicco Corrino. Because of his strong opposition to Valya Harkonnen and the Bene Gesserit Brotherhood’s secret intentions which he realized through his newly granted psychic powers, Desmond Hart appears to be the biggest threat to Valya’s vision of subliminal control over the Empire. Furthermore, Valya is unable to control him through the power of the Bene Gesserit Voice.
If Hart comes to power, he could become the tyrant who triggers The Reckoning in Dune: Prophecy.
Raquella speaks through Lila during the Agony in Dune: Prophecy episode 2. Raquella says: “The key to The Reckoning is to be born twice. Once in the blood, once in the spice. A scarred ghost. A weapon born of war on a very short path.” Raquella’s words of warning point to Desmond Hart who was essentially born again after being eaten by the sandworm, returning with miraculous and lethal powers that have the power to bring about “The Reckoning” almost single-handedly.
How Dune: Prophecy made Desmond Hart the enemy of the Brotherhood
Hart frees himself by revealing the Brotherhood’s true game to Emperor Corrino
Desmond Hart may appear to be on Emperor Corrino’s side for “serve the Empire“exposing Valya Harkoennen and the Bene Gesserit Brotherhood. The Corrinos wish to harness Hart’s powers, replacing his Bene Gesserit sister with him, whom Hart conveniently killed. By proving himself to be a more loyal servant to the Corrinos, he also becomes one step closer of the throne. Hart could eventually turn his powers against the Corrinos and intends to take the throne by force or through an arranged marriage with Princess Ynez, now that Hart has also killed her husband Pruwet Richesse. If Hart comes to power, he could become the tyrant who triggers The Reckoning in Dune: Prophecy.