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For decades, Dune has been one of the cornerstones of the science fiction genre, with Frank Herbert’s popular novel inspiring sequels, prequels, and imitators over the years. Sisterhood of Dune – which the Max series Dune: Prophecy is based on – is set 10,000 years before the original novel yet its ending sets up many of the events of Dune. If you’re wondering what happens at the end of Sisterhood of Dune, we’ve got a breakdown for you.

Set 80 years after the defeat of the thinking machines at the Battle of Corrin, Sisterhood of Dune focuses on the early days of the Bene Gesserit during this tumultuous time in mankind’s history. As a religious cult focused solely on freeing humanity from its reliance on “convenient technology” rises, the Imperium is in a delicate state. Raquella Berto-Anirul leads the Sisterhood of Rossak, which would eventually become the Bene Gesserit.

What happens at the end of Sisterhood of Dune?

The end of Sisterhood of Dune does a lot to set up both the original Dune books, which take place 10,000 years later, and the next book in the Schools of Dune trilogy, Mentats of Dune. The anti-technology cult, known as the Bulterians, have instigated an invasion of Rossak by Emperor Salvador Corrino. A new Orthodox Sisterhood is established and Raquella, the previous leader of the order, takes her followers to Wallach IX. Valya, a member of Raquella’s inner circle, becomes the third Reverend Mother.

On Arrakis, where much of the original Dune books take place, the Free Men of Dune have taken to the desert. They have abandoned their comfortable lives in villages yet have managed to thrive in the harsher conditions.

By the end of Sisterhood of Dune, the Corrino Empire is in the midst of one of its first major changes. The schism within the Sisterhood threatens their goals for the universe and has helped fuel riots in major cities. Emperor Salvador has exerted greater control of the Sisterhood, with one of its two branches being both fiercely loyal to him and fiercely anti-technology.

The ending of Sisterhood of Dune sets up its direct sequel, Mentats of Dune, with tensions rising between the businessman Josef Venport and the anti-technology movement. Venport’s conflict with the Emperor would have lasting consequences in the sequel.

How closely Dune: Prophecy follows this plot remains to be seen. We know from the trailer and the cast and crew’s panel at New York Comic Con that there will be at least some deviations from Sisterhood of Dune, with a greater focus being given to the origins of the Bene Gesserit and their influence over the Emperor.

Face your fear, and permit it to pass over you and through you with our key guides to all things Dune:

• Dune: Part Two's ending explained,
• All the Dune sequels and TV show prequels that are planned
• Dune watch order
• Which Frank Herbert story Denis Villeneuve believes would make a great Dune: Part Three
• Movies to watch after you've finished Dune
• Sisterhood of Dune ending explained: Understanding the book that Dune: Prophecy was based on

After reading it all, turn to the inner eye to see its path.