Why is Talos Illegal?
Quick answer
This page answers Why is Talos illegal? quickly.
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
▶
Talos is illegal because the Aldmeri Dominion banned the worship of Talos as part of the White-Gold Concordat, a treaty between the Dominion and the Empire, which claims that a man cannot achieve apotheosis. This ban is strongly implied to have been done to divide the Empire and weaken its overall strength, allowing the Thalmor to more easily conquer it if the war were to resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Talos and the Ban
- When was Talos banned?: Talos was banned in the Fourth Era as a result of the White-Gold Concordat between the Aldmeri Dominion and the Empire.
- Why does the Empire not like Talos?: The Empire does not like Talos because the Thalmor forced the Emperor to outlaw Talos worship as part of the treaty that ended the Great War.
- Why do people worship Talos?: From a human perspective, Talos is Shor/Shezzar/Lorkhan, the mortal god hero of mankind, necessary for humans to survive in a world threatened by elves with Daedric allies.
About Talos’ History and Powers
- What did Talos do to the elves?: Talos re-conquered Summerset, the homeland of the high elves, many times and put down their uprisings; he finally left them to their own rule once the high elves agreed not to attack the empire of men in Cyrodiil.
- Is Talos an evil god?: Because he is a chaotic evil deity hell-bent on destruction, Talos is worshiped by brigands, looters, ravagers, and raiders.
- What was Talos’ weakness?: In Greek mythology, Talos was a gigantic man of bronze made by Hephaestus, who protected the island of Crete from intruders, and his only weakness was that he had a single vein in his body, running from head to ankle, and at the ankle it was plugged only by a single nail.
About Talos’ Worship and Legacy
- Why is the worship of Talos banned in Skyrim?: The worship of Talos was banned as part of the White-Gold Concordat, which is strongly implied to have been done to divide the Empire and weaken its overall strength.
- Is Talos a Dragonborn?: Given the random nature of this character, Tiber Septim, also known as Talos, was a Dragonborn and the first Emperor of the Septim Empire.
- Did Talos actually ascend?: He did ascend, but it is the Imperial cult that claims he is the ninth divine, claiming he’s more important than he actually is.
About Related Characters and Concepts
- Who is Talos based on?: In Greek mythology, Talos was a living bronze statue built to guard the island of Crete at the command of Zeus, whose name also translates to ‘sun’ in Cretan.
- Which god is banned in Skyrim?: Talos is a major God in Skyrim whose worship has been banned as part of the Empire’s peace treaty with the Thalmor.
- Do any elves worship Talos?: Generally, no, but there’s no reason an individual couldn’t; however, elves might not worship Talos as he was a conqueror who caused huge bloodshed.
About Specific Situations and Items
- Why can’t I give Greta the Amulet of Talos?: If you loot Roggvir’s Amulet of Talos prior to receiving the quest from Greta, you may not be able to progress the quest “Return to Grace“.
- What is Talos’ real name?: Tiber Septim was born in Atmora under the name Talos, meaning “Stormcrown” in old Ehlnofex.
- What is the snake on Talos’ statue?: The snake represents Sep/Shor/Lorkhan, and Talos stepping on the snake is Talos stepping on Sep/Shor/Lorkhan, taking the place of the missing god.