The Dune universe is aggressively divided between ancient organizations vying for power across the galaxy. The Padishah Emperor sets the laws, and the Great Houses enforce them on their home planets. The Spacing Guild controls faster-than-light travel, while the CHOAM handles commerce. Behind every mighty group, the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood rules from the shadows. Margot Fenring is one of the most fascinating Sisters in the disquieting cultic sect because she isn’t as obedient as she seems.
The Dune universe overflows with characters. Paul Atreides is the focal point, but his quest lets the audience meet various colorful and unique figures across the galaxy. Countless faceless soldiers and devotees die for or against Paul, but the higher-ups earn names and details. Margot Fenring is far from the main character, but she makes critical decisions that change the narrative.
What Is Lady Margot Fenring’s Role in Dune?
Lady Margot Fenring is one of many trained Bene Gesserit Sisters. She’s trained in impossibly dangerous techniques and carefully inserted into the upper echelon of society. The Bene Gesserit pretend to serve the Empire humbly, but their extremist beliefs lead them to influence the course of history from the shadows. Most major patriarchal figures in Great Houses or near the Empire are married to Bene Gesserit Sisters. Margot weds Count Hasimir Fenring. Fenring is a relatively minor figure in the Landsraad, but he’s Emperor Shaddam IV’s closest friend. Margot’s marriage to Hasimir, like Lady Jessica Atreides’ marriage to Duke Leto, seems partially based on love. Margot lived on Arrakis during Hasimir’s temporary reign as governor of the desert planet. As the Emperor’s best friend’s wife, Margot influenced Shaddam IV to marry a Bene Gesserit sister named Anirul. She dedicated her life to serving the Sisterhood, generally working behind the scenes.
When Margot was on Arrakis, she learned of House Corrino’s backroom deal with House Harkonnen. Aware of the fate that would befall her fellow Sister, Jessica, she left a warning in coded language. To an outsider, her message appears to be a few well-wishes and a warning against overindulgence. Jessica finds the pattern of hidden dots and divines this message from the Sister’s code:
Your son and Duke are in immediate danger. A bedroom has been designed to attract your son. The H loaded it with death traps to be discovered, leaving one that may escape detection. I do not know the exact nature of the menace, but it has something to do with a bed. The threat to your Duke involves defection of a trusted companion or lieutenant. The H plan to give you as gift to a minion. To the best of my knowledge, this conservatory is safe. Forgive that I cannot tell more. My sources are few as my Count is not in the pay of the H.
Though Jessica is unable to prevent the attack on House Atreides, this note helps her and Paul survive and escape. Through this action, Margot sets the events of the story in motion. She protects the potential Kwisatz Haderach and guarantees the continued escalation of House Atreides. Margot continues her secretive work by seducing Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, securing the bloodline of another potential chosen one. She implants a post-hypnotic suggestion in Feyd-Rautha, a trump card that could guarantee the young Harkonnen’s death. When Paul challenges Feyd-Rautha to a ritual dual, Margot gives Paul the command he could use to stun Feyd-Rautha, but Paul wins honorably without that trick. When Paul exiles the Emperor, Hasimir leaves with him. Margot follows her husband, living out her days on Salusa Secundus.
Who Plays Lady Margot Fenring In Dune: Part 2?
Léa Seydoux plays Lady Margot Fenring in Dune: Part Two. Every previous adaptation of Dune cut out Margot Fenring. Seydoux is a celebrated actor with several iconic parts across tones and genres. She starred in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast before becoming one of the few “Bond Girls” to appear in two entries. She remains active in French films. Gamers might recognize her as Fragile in Death Stranding and its upcoming sequel.
Lady Margot Fenring In Other Dune Stories
Margot Fenring doesn’t appear in the sequels, but the prequels flesh out her character. Dune: House Atreides features Margot Rashino-Zea meeting her future husband, infiltrating House Harkonnen, and convincing Emperor Shaddam IV to marry a Bene Gesserit Sister. Paul of Dune takes place between Dune and Dune Messiah. Margot and Hasimir appear in that novel, raising Margot’s daughter with Feyd-Rautha. They teach young Marie Fenring to become an assassin and a Sister. Margot and Hasimir sneak Marie into Paul’s court as a potential playmate for his younger sister, Alia. Alia discovers Marie’s plan and butchers her, but Hasimir uses the opening to wound the new Emperor mortally. Chani saves Paul with the Water of Life, which heals his injury. Paul exiles Margot and Hasimir forever.
Margot Fenring is a fascinating figure with shifting motivations. She only makes two or three moves throughout the first novel, but each has a massive impact. Margot is one of the most compelling characters in the mysterious Bene Gesserit faction.
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