Are the Bene Gesserit Evil? Dune Part 2 Explores Their Faith and Function

Rebecca Ferguson in Dune
Credit: Warner Bros.


Rebecca Ferguson in Dune
Credit: Warner Bros.

Are the Bene Gesserit sisterhood in Dune: Part 2 evil? This is one of the questions that fans have been wondering about due to their significant involvement in the civilization depicted in the Dune universe.

Let's explore what's behind the religious sisterhood below.

Also Read: Is There A Post-Credit Scene in Dune Part 2?

Who Are the Bene Gesserit?

Bene Gesserit in Dune
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Credit: Warner Bros.

The Bene Gesserit is a secretive religious sisterhood that has political goals as they pull the strings behind the scenes on how the civilization is being shaped while being the servants to the Empire and the Great Houses.

They possess superhuman physical and mental abilities such as detecting lies, martial arts skills, the ability to control their bodies down to the cellular level, determining the sex of their children, and such.

Most notably, they have the psychic ability to command and influence others using "The Voice" with a certain sound frequency.

The sisterhood's main goal is to attain more power and save humanity by pushing them to greatness. It can only be achieved through the Kwisatz Haderach (a Chakobsa term that translates to "Shortening of the Way").

Paul Atreides' mother Lady Jessica (played by Rebecca Ferguson in the films) and Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling) are notable members.

While Paul also possesses the powers, he is not officially part of the Bene Gesserit.

Are the Bene Gesserit Evil?

Gaius Helen Mohiam in Dune
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Credit: Warner Bros.

The Bene Gesserit does not necessarily align itself with a specific morality as they simply work for their own goal and interest.

In other words, there is no specific answer on whether they are evil since it's up to the audience to decide whether the sisterhood's actions are good or not.

However, they do genuinely believe that their goals and actions are for the betterment of humanity just like any people who are put in a position of power.

Exploring More of the Bene Gesserit in Dune: Prophecy

Dune: Part Two
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Credit: Warner Bros.

The upcoming Max series Dune: Propechy will explore the origins of the Bene Gesserit and take place 10,000 years before the events of the films.

The prequel series "follows the Harkonnen Sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit."

Fans will be able to learn more about the sisterhood in the series and find out what their true intentions were back when it was established.

Dune: Part 2 is set to arrive in North American theaters this Friday, March 1.

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