Dune: People: Fey’d

Fey’d Rautha (Harkonnen)

Fey’d is an interesting character who originally was intended to be the father of the Kwizat Hadarach, for the Bene Gesserit’s breeding program. Besides being the product of 96 generations of selective breeding, Fey’d is a complete sociopath, much like his Uncle, Barron Vladimir Harkonnen. Fey’d even once tried to assassinate his uncle with a poisoned love-slave boy! A brilliant fighter and lover, Fey’d is the clear heir-apparent to House Harkonnen over his brother Beast Rabban.

Fey’d’s fighting technique is over confident, terribly sadistic, and emphasizes raw strength over finese. Yet despite all this, he was one of the best fighters in the known universe. Fey’d often relied on poison and dirty fighting to win bouts.

Fey’d briefly is Baron of House Harkonnen. Quite possibly the shortest reign ever, all of 5 minutes. He was killed in a fight with Paul Maud’Dib Atreides. Paul would have won the fight quicker had Fey’d not disregarded the rules of combat by using poisoned blades and barbs. Fey’d meets his demise with a crysknife, thus concluding once and for all “Kanly” between House Atreides and House Harkonnen.

Fey’d was secretly survived by a bastard child between him and Lady Fenring. It is widely speculated that this child is Prince Farud, of House Corrino.

Fey’d Rautha is excellently played by Matt Keslar.

Dune reviews are © 2003 Ryan Bechtel and Greg Frantz.
Not for reproduction without the authors express permission.

Dune names, characters and everything else associated with the series are the property of Sci-Fi Channel, New Amsterdam Entertainment, and the assorted publishing companies who own the rights to the various Dune novels.