| abstract | - Gunseng Harkonnen (10079 AG — 10130 AG) was the Siridar Baron of Giedi Prime He married and Baroness Muertana Sarobella(later known as the "Black Widow"), a dark beauty with the disposition of a scorpion whom Gunseng had married to form an alliance with the then-powerful House Sarobella. His first son died in infancy. The second, Araskin, was a clubfooted, simple-minded 2-meters tall giant. His third and last son was Vladimir Harkonnen. Gunseng did not acknowledge Vladimir as his natural son, though he never denied it publicly. Muertana explained to Araskin that his condition was due to the genetic shortcomings of Gunseng, whom she loathed and also reared the ostensible na-Baron herself, poisoning his mind against his father. Gunseng possessed a keen understanding of political realities, along with the necessary ruthlessness to manipulate them. Each of these qualities was passed on to Vladimir. Vladimir seemed the answer to his father's dream of improving their House. He saw that his son received training in the martial arts, music, and politics from the best tutors he could afford. Gunseng's preference for Vladimir cost him his life: at a state banquet, Araskin murdered him and attacked Vladimir, nearly killing him before the mentat Chardin Klees stuck a poisoned needle into Araskin's neck.
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