Did Talos Achieve CHIM? Unraveling the Mystery of Tiber Septim

The question of whether Talos, the ascended Tiber Septim, achieved CHIM is complex and fraught with lore implications. While there’s no definitive in-game confirmation, the evidence strongly suggests that he did indeed achieve this state of transcendental awareness and self-realization. His subsequent ascension to godhood, becoming the Ninth Divine, lends considerable weight to this theory. The very act of mantling Lorkhan and rewriting history, as many believe Talos did, would almost necessitate a CHIM-like understanding of the Dream and its malleability.

Understanding CHIM in the Elder Scrolls Universe

CHIM, in the context of The Elder Scrolls lore, is a profound and difficult-to-grasp concept. It’s essentially the realization that one is a character within a dream, the dream being the Aurbis (the universe), and that this dream is being dreamt by the Godhead. However, achieving CHIM isn’t simply acknowledging this fact; it’s maintaining one’s individual identity and ego despite this realization. Most who glimpse this truth are “zero-summed,” their existence erased because their ego cannot reconcile with the insignificance of being a mere thought.

The Case for Talos and CHIM

Several factors point towards Talos having achieved CHIM:

• His Divinity: Ascension to godhood is arguably the strongest indicator. The ability to transcend mortality and become part of the Aedra suggests an understanding of reality beyond mortal comprehension.
• Mantling Lorkhan: The theory that Talos mantled Lorkhan, the Missing God, implies a profound understanding of the Aurbis and its mechanics. This process is less about imitation and more about replacing and becoming the archetype. This kind of transformation would be difficult, if not impossible, without achieving CHIM.
• Rewriting History: The idea that Talos subtly altered events in the past, such as shifting Cyrodiil from jungle to temperate forest, suggests an ability to manipulate the very fabric of reality, a power directly linked to achieving CHIM.
• The Prophecies: The Elder Scrolls often operate on multiple layers of interpretation, and prophecies often hinge on certain individuals fulfilling specific roles. Talos’s role as a uniter of Tamriel, a warrior, and ultimately a god, could be interpreted as a predetermined path requiring CHIM to fully realize.

Counterarguments and Ambiguities

It’s important to acknowledge the counterarguments:

• Lack of Explicit Confirmation: There is no direct statement within the games or lore texts that explicitly confirms Talos achieved CHIM.
• Different Interpretations: The nature of CHIM itself is open to interpretation, and some scholars argue that it’s not a prerequisite for godhood.
• The Role of the Amulet of Kings: Tiber Septim was Dragonborn, which allowed him to wear the Amulet of Kings and light the Dragonfires. This played a crucial role in securing the Dragonblood Covenant and ensuring his rule. How much this relies on Chim is unknown.
• The Enantiomorph: Some speculate that his CHIM may have been a shared effort from the relationship of the three souls of Talos, which were Zurin Arctus, Tiber Septim, and Ysmir Wulfharth. This is based on the concept of the Enantiomorph, where conflict between three archetypes allows for a singular realization of CHIM.

Conclusion

While the evidence isn’t conclusive, the overwhelming implication is that Talos did indeed achieve CHIM. His divinity, the potential mantling of Lorkhan, and the possible rewriting of history all point towards a level of understanding of the Aurbis that aligns with the concept of CHIM. The ambiguity within the lore allows for different interpretations, but the most compelling narrative suggests that Talos was more than just a Dragonborn emperor; he was a being who transcended mortal limitations through the profound realization of CHIM.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Talos and CHIM

1. What exactly is CHIM?

CHIM is a state of enlightenment in the Elder Scrolls universe, where an individual realizes they are part of a dream dreamt by the Godhead. It’s not enough to simply know this; true CHIM requires maintaining one’s individuality and sense of self in the face of this cosmic insignificance. Failing to do so leads to “zero-summing,” where the individual ceases to exist.

2. How does CHIM relate to godhood?

Achieving CHIM grants the individual a level of understanding and control over reality that approaches that of the Aedra (gods). While not all gods necessarily achieved CHIM, it is likely that it is required to become divine. It is a pathway to trascendance, the ability to rewrite the rules of the Dream, which would be useful when mantling a deity.

3. Did Vivec achieve CHIM?

The lore strongly suggests that Vivec, the god-king of Morrowind, achieved CHIM. His writings and actions often hint at an understanding of the Aurbis and his place within it. His sermons on the 36 Lessons of Vivec and his connection to Molag Bal further supports this idea.

4. If Talos achieved CHIM, why is his worship banned by the Thalmor?

The Thalmor’s ban on Talos worship is primarily political. They see Talos as a symbol of human dominance and a challenge to their own perceived superiority as the “true” heirs of the Aldmer. Banning his worship weakens the Empire and undermines its cultural identity. The official stance of the Thalmor is that Talos cannot be a god because he was once mortal.

5. What is the significance of Talos being Dragonborn?

Being Dragonborn grants an individual a connection to the Dragon God Akatosh, and the power to speak in the Dragon Tongue. It also grants the ability to wear the Amulet of Kings and relight the Dragonfires to seal Oblivion Gates. This lineage grants them a powerful role to play in shaping history.

6. Is there any in-game evidence that Talos achieved CHIM?

No, there is no explicit in-game evidence directly stating Talos achieved CHIM. However, various lore books and character dialogues hint at the complexities of his ascension and the potential for him to have reached this state.

7. How did Talos become the Ninth Divine?

The specifics of Talos’s deification are shrouded in mystery. It is believed that his collective power and actions as Tiber Septim, combined with his Dragonborn lineage, allowed him to transcend mortality and join the ranks of the Aedra. Some believe the other Divines accepted him, some believe he achieved godhood on his own.

8. What is mantling?

Mantling is a complex process where an individual effectively becomes another entity, usually a god or historical figure. This isn’t simply imitation; it’s about adopting their role and archetypal significance within the Aurbis.

9. Could anyone achieve CHIM?

Theoretically, yes. However, the process is incredibly difficult and dangerous. Very few individuals in the history of the Elder Scrolls have been said to have achieved CHIM, suggesting it requires exceptional mental fortitude and a deep understanding of the nature of reality.

10. What is the Godhead in the Elder Scrolls universe?

The Godhead is the dreamer of the Aurbis, the entire Elder Scrolls universe. Everything within the Aurbis, including the gods and mortals, are essentially thoughts within the Godhead’s dream.

11. Who are the main people that made up Talos?

Talos is made up of Zurin Arctus, Tiber Septim, and Ysmir Wulfharth. There is a theory based on the Enantiomorph which posits that the conflict between these individuals is what led to a CHIM realization.

12. Why do Elves not like Talos?

The Altmer, in particular, view Talos’s ascension to godhood as a blasphemous act. They believe that only the original Aedra, their ancestors, are worthy of worship, and that a mortal achieving divinity is an affront to the natural order. Also, Tiber Septim united all of Tamriel under one banner.

13. Is CHIM the same thing as reaching Amaranth?

They are often used in similar context. Amaranth is considered the act of creating your own dream after dreaming that you are in a dream. This goes beyond the CHIM realization.

14. What other characters have possibly achieved CHIM?

Besides Talos and Vivec, a few other characters are speculated to have achieved CHIM, including Mankar Camoran, and potentially certain members of the Psijic Order. However, these are largely speculative.

15. Can learning about CHIM enhance my understanding of The Elder Scrolls?

Absolutely! Delving into the metaphysics and philosophy behind CHIM can significantly deepen your appreciation for the complex lore and world-building of The Elder Scrolls. It helps contextualize the motivations and actions of various characters and factions, and offers a richer understanding of the overarching narrative. Consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for further insights into the educational aspects of gaming and lore analysis.