Hinriad Dynasty is a ruling family from Isaac Asimov's Empire series.
About the Dynasty[]
Hinriad Dynasty was the hereditary noble house that provided the Directors, the sovereign rulers of the planet Rhodia within the Nebular Kingdoms. For generations, the Hinriads governed Rhodia and its dozen subject worlds from the capital at Rhodia City, presiding over a period of local prosperity and stability under a unique Directorate system.
The dynasty's character and authority were fundamentally altered by the conquest of the Tyranni Empire. Following the subjugation of the Nebular Kingdoms, the Hinriad rulers were reduced to puppet figureheads. While they retained their titles and the superficial trappings of power, all true authority was wielded by the Tyrannian Commissioner and the distant Khan. The legislative chambers were neutered, and the Director's role became one of enforced subservience.
This period of humiliation lasted for decades until the reign of Hinrik V. Though a weak and fearful man easily manipulated by the Tyranni, his reign became the unlikely catalyst for change. His daughter, Artemisia oth Hinriad, and his cousin, Gillbret oth Hinriad, directly defied Tyrannian authority by fleeing the planet and joining the conspiracy to find the rebellion world. Their actions, intertwined with those of Biron Farrell, were instrumental in fomenting the successful revolt that ultimately shattered Tyrannian control over the sector. Through the actions of its younger members, the Hinriad dynasty thus evolved from powerless puppets to key figures in the restoration of their world's independence.
Appearances[]