The Backstory Of Dune's Bene Gesserit Explained

Frank Herbert's beloved "Dune" novels introduce readers to a sprawling, complex world in a far-flung future where competing creeds fight over the balance of power in the galaxy. The novels have been adapted for film several times, and with 2021's "Dune," the world is once again fascinated with House Atreides, sandworms, and spice.

One aspect of the "Dune" universe that's surprisingly complex is the history of Bene Gesserit, a mystical sisterhood of truthsayers and manipulators who work to guide the course of humanity. But what else is going on with this powerful group? Here's the backstory of Dune's Bene Gesserit, finally explained.

Dune #DuneMovie #SciFi
Origins | 0:00
Universe-spanning aims | 0:47
An extraordinary education | 1:32
Missionary work | 2:16
A great betrayal | 3:22
The Kwisatz Haderach arrives | 4:20
Completely cowed | 5:09
The end of the Bene Gesserit? | 6:23
Establishing Chapterhouse | 7:34
A competing order | 8:33
An unfinished story | 9:41

Read Full Article: The Backstory Of Dune's Bene Gesserit Explained

[Dk._]

This isn’t a backstory. This is a summary of Bene Gesserit all the way through to the last of Frank’s books, so spoiler alert folks.

[STUPEEEEEEEEEED]

that's not just backstory. Its forward story. The whole story.

[Coco]

Dune was so good. I really enjoyed it. Can’t wait for the next installment.

[DanielB]

The Bene Gesserit are eugenicists, if you still didn't got the message.

“original Bene Gesserit school was directed by those who saw the need of a thread of continuity in human affairs. They saw there could be no such continuity without separating human stock from animal stock—for breeding purposes"

Gaius Helen Mohiam

[CVernRock]

I've been a Dune fan for ages. Read every book connected to it. You've done an excellent job on the history of the Bene Gesserit... Wish you had included Brian Herbert's "Prequel" additions to the saga. The origins of the "witches" is also fascinating.

[zahirahza]

in conclusion, no matter how powerful you are, you are still human and thus have flaws. a flawed being with great powers is a dangerous thing.

[kgonzales]

If you haven't read the books and don't want to be spoiled, don't go past 4:20.

[justinmcculloch]

So the bene gesserit are trying to create a super psychic human that can fight and defend humanity against machines. The whole premise of dune is mankind fought a huge war with Ai and almost lost until they started to consume spice so they no longer had to rely on machines. The whole premise of dune is a messiah figure uniting mankind to finally defeat Ai once and for all. That crucial part is not really touched on in the first novel hence a lot of newcomers to the series are confused by what’s going on.

[MonarkMN]

Dune is so good, can't believe they really made justice to the novel. Hope to see second installment soon.

[mandogslife]

I like when you guys make this particular type of content. Questions about certain topics in movies or shows that we've all wondered. Thanks for this 👍👍

[claretheworm]

good lawd Charlotte rampling was perfection as the bene gesserit

[SIF]

I've watched it 3 times while it's been out in cinemas. That's almost 6+ hours. No regrets lol

[joeyj]

I’ll be watching Dune for the 3rd time, alright LETS DO IT!

[zetsumeinaito]

Hubris is believing you could control one who sees all possible futures. Such is the lot of the Bene Gesserit.

[kinzieconrad]

What they don’t explain in the movies is how much spice extends life. Most of the main characters could be centuries old. Also why Paul is special, and looked at favorably by his teachers.

[koriw]

I read every one of those books and I don't think that I could have described the entire Dune story any better...

[MaharionPendragon]

I've seen it three times! Twice on Imax, once on normal screen

[Aurora]

I had hoped you'd dig into their backstory, in mesopotamia and egypt, with the priestesses of Jowf...
This so far is just a summary.

[shinylr]

Was hoping to just hear about the bene gesserit, not a recap of the entire series full of spoilers

[PeloquinDavid]

Good synopsis. I wonder: how much (if any) of the broader "future history" of the BG will form part of the "Dune: The Sisterhood" series? Or will it focus on the "prior history" of the order in the centuries or millenia leading to the events of Dune and its sequels?