House Corrino is the Imperial House - the ruling dynasty of the Known Universe at the time of Dune. Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV sits on the Golden Lion Throne, commanding the feared Sardaukar soldier-fanatics and maintaining a precarious balance of power between the Great Houses of the Landsraad. Shaddam's conspiracy with Baron Harkonnen to destroy House Atreides is driven by his fear that Duke Leto's growing popularity threatens the throne. The Corrinos' grip on power depends on two things: the military superiority of the Sardaukar and their control of the political system. When Paul Atreides proves the Fremen are more than a match for the Sardaukar and seizes control of Arrakis, the Corrino dynasty falls - though Princess Irulan, Shaddam's eldest daughter, remains a significant player in subsequent novels through her political marriage to Paul.