Race: Divine
Transcendent: Dragonborn
Sex: Male
Faction: Third Empire
Overall Rating: 9.1
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Arena Status: Active (S1)
Born as Tiber Septim, a mortal man, and later ascending to godhood as Talos, the Ninth Divine, he is a figure that elicits reverence, debate, and sometimes, outright disdain across the Elder Scrolls universe.
 |
| Tiber Septim, or, the 9th Divine, Talos |
Disclaimer: Spoilers abound! You've been warned.
Game Appearances
Talos doesn't "appear" in the games in the conventional sense, being a god and all. However, his influence is everywhere. He has been referenced and worshiped from as early as "The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall" to the latest installment, "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim." In "Skyrim," his worship becomes a central plot point, especially in the civil war between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks. The worship of Talos is outlawed, leading to profound political and social ramifications.
The Man Before the God: Tiber Septim
Before Talos became Talos, he was Tiber Septim, a Dragonborn, born to bring about change. Born in Atmora and raised in Skyrim, his rise to power is, quite frankly, exhilarating. Tiber Septim conquered all of Tamriel and founded the Third Empire. As the first emperor of the Septim Dynasty, he established a rule that would last for generations. It wasn't just his military prowess that propelled him; it was also his keen intellect. His alliance with the Tribunal of Morrowind is one such example. "For five years they prepared until, finally, they were ready," says "Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition/Cyrodiil." The keen political acumen of Tiber Septim, as well as his powerful Thu'um, set the stage for the unification of the disparate lands.
The Conquest and the Empire
Tiber Septim's conquest of Tamriel is a saga worthy of its own tome. Using Numidium, a colossal golem, he vanquished the various provinces, bringing them under a single rule. But it was not mere subjugation; Tiber Septim instituted the concept of a unified Empire. A dialogue from "Morrowind" describes it succinctly: "With this power, the Emperor crushed all those who opposed him." And crush, he did! But—oh, there's always a but—he also built, reformed, and instituted laws.
Ascension to Godhood
After his death, Tiber Septim ascended to godhood, becoming Talos, the Ninth Divine. In a universe that doesn't take deification lightly, this was groundbreaking. To quote from the in-game text "Varieties of Faith in the Empire," Talos is described as "Tiber Septim, Talos, the Dragonborn, Heir to the Seat of Sundered Kings."
In the Fourth Era, during the events of "Skyrim," the Thalmor and their Aldmeri Dominion enforced a ban on the worship of Talos. You see, the Thalmor don't recognize Talos as a god since he was born human. This erupts into the Stormcloak Rebellion, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, who considers this ban a sacrilege. "Skyrim is the birthplace of humanity, the birthplace of honor. And those snow-backed Imperials renounced both when they laid down before the Thalmor," says Ulfric. The ban on Talos worship isn't merely a subplot; it's a thematic avalanche, affecting the socio-political tapestry of the entire Elder Scrolls universe.
So why is Talos so crucial? Is he just a construct of religious and historical manipulation? Or is he the zenith of mortal potential, representing the elevation of humanity to the divine? It's a question that leaves scholars, both in Tamriel and in our world, scratching their heads.
Whether you see him as a god or a mere mortal given too much credit, Talos is undeniably one of the most compelling characters in the Elder Scrolls series. He serves as a religious, cultural, and historical touchstone, inviting us to explore issues of divinity, empire, and identity. If gods and mortals exist on a continuum, then Talos is the fulcrum.
So, as we plunge deeper into this intricate tapestry of narrative threads, bear in mind that Talos is not just a character. He is an institution, a question, a conundrum wrapped in an enigma. Stay tuned as we delve into his history, his divine controversies, and his enduring impact on the world of Tamriel. Hail, Talos! Or should you? Let's find out.
Talos's Raw Power
Born a Dragonborn, Septim could use the Thu'um, shouts in the Dragon Language that allow for reality-bending effects. He utilized this in his military campaigns, though it's said he stopped using it after the events in Old Hroldan where he shouted down the gates of the city.
In his human form, Tiber Septim was an extraordinary general, leading his armies with great success across Tamriel. Though this reflects more on his tactical ability, it also speaks to his innate command over various forms of power, both mundane and mystical. His acquisition of the Numidium, a gigantic golem-like construct, and the use of it to consolidate his rule, shows his harnessing of immense magical artifacts. His Thu'um is described in various in-game texts, with the most famous probably being "The Arcturian Heresy," which describes his use of the Voice to command and conquer.
When Tiber Septim became Talos and ascended to godhood, his power reached a whole different scale. As a Divine, his influence spreads across the spiritual and the corporeal, offering blessings and even curing diseases at his shrines. In-game books like "Varieties of Faith in the Empire" indicate that Talos maintains the "blessing of rule and governance."
The complexities here are, well, paradoxical. On the one hand, the godhood factor makes Talos extraordinarily powerful, almost beyond measure. On the other hand, Talos primarily functions as a cultural and religious icon in most of the games, and there is less evidence of him exerting his powers in the way other deities in different universes might.
So, for raw power, the former Dragonborn turned god would seem nearly unparalleled. Still, since his efficacy as a god remains somewhat under scrutiny, we'll revise the rating to a 9.5 from an original perfect 10. The slight decrease isn't a downplay on his prowess but rather a nod to the known unknowns relating to the ninth divine.
Tiber Septim's Tactical Ability
Talos, or Tiber Septim in his mortal form, is often hailed as a master tactician. His military prowess began to shine in his early years as General Talos, where he undertook a series of successful military campaigns that eventually led to the unification of Tamriel under his rule. His stratagems often combined military force with strategic alliances, as evidenced by his relationship with the Tribunal of Morrowind, avoiding a potentially costly conflict and gaining access to the Numidium, a colossal golem-like construct, in return. His use of the Numidium to conquer the Summerset Isles indicates a mind that's not only strategic but is also willing to utilize any form of power to achieve his objectives.
Tiber Septim was also credited with the establishment of the Septim Empire's administrative structures, which helped maintain a vast and diverse landmass under a centralized rule. The "Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition" talks about Tiber Septim establishing the "lawless wilderness" into "the peaceful and prosperous Empire that is Tamriel." These strategies required a high level of logistical, tactical, and diplomatic skill, proving his aptitude for strategy went beyond the battlefield.
Consequently, Talos's tactical ability is being upgraded from an original rating of 8 to a new rating of 9. This is a recalibration when measured against the scope of tactical brilliance found in the entire spectrum of fantasy characters. His battlefield acumen and diplomatic cunning are beyond doubt, but within a broader context, he falls a tiny notch below the most astute tacticians across universes.
Ysmir's Influence
Talos, the once-mortal Tiber Septim, exudes influence so potent that it transcends mere mortal bounds, making a leap into the realm of divinity. During his lifetime, he unified the disparate regions of Tamriel into a singular empire through military conquest and strategic diplomacy. A living embodiment of influence, his legacy extended into religious veneration, for he became a deity worshipped across the continent.
The in-game dialogue from "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" has Heimskr, a priest of Talos, proclaiming: "Let me show you the power of Talos Stormcrown, born of the North, where my breath is long winter!"
His influence is felt both in political and religious spheres. He's not just a king or a general; he's a god. People are willing to defy even the most repressive laws to worship him. The Thalmor's outlawing of Talos worship in the Empire, as part of the White-Gold Concordat, only highlights the significance of his influence; they perceived it as so powerful that it had to be quashed to secure their own hold on the people.
So, in line with the comparison to other fantasy figures of immeasurable influence, I'd rate Talos's enigmatic influence stands at a 9.5. He's undoubtedly one of the most influential characters you'll encounter, but in a multiverse filled with god-like beings and omnipotent entities, he stands just a notch below the absolutely most influential.
Talos's Resilience
Resilience is a category where Talos shines bright, almost unfathomably so. Rising from a mortal, albeit exceptionally gifted, military general to an eternally worshiped deity within the pantheon of the Nine Divines, Talos embodies the quintessence of resilience. It's one thing to recover from setbacks or injuries in the physical realm, but Talos transcends that by withstanding metaphysical, theological, and cosmic challenges as well.
Tiber Septim displayed remarkable resilience by conquering all of Tamriel and establishing the Third Empire despite facing countless obstacles. As a deity, Talos' resilience is exemplified in the fact that his worship persists even when it's outlawed, such as in the White-Gold Concordat.
The quote from the game "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim," "Blessings of Talos be upon you, for you are a beacon of light in these dark times," encapsulates the fervor and resilience in the belief of Talos despite the adversities.
However, let's delve into perplexities and consider Talos against a pantheon of other fantasy characters. A few characters in fantasy are quite resilient—some are even invincible or immortal. Yet, Talos has this unique blend of rising from mortality to divinity, which carries its own brand of resilience that few can match.
All in all, Talos's rating of 10 in this category is being downwardly adjusted to a 9.5 to account for the possibility that we all dread; the Thalmor might win. His mortal-to-divine trajectory encapsulates not just physical or mental resilience, but spiritual and cosmic resilience as well. This multifaceted resilience places Talos in an elite class. From a soldier to a god, from outlawed to endlessly worshiped—his resilience reverberates through the mortal and the divine, through histories and heresies, and even through the metaphysical fabric of the Elder Scrolls universe itself. His resilience is not just legendary; it's divine.
Tiber Septim's Versatility
In the domain of versatility, Talos holds a portfolio that is at once awe-inspiring and mind-bogglingly extensive. Now, let's get this straight: versatility is not just about having a wide range of abilities; it's about the effective use of those abilities to adapt and flourish in diverse circumstances. And boy, does Talos flourish!
From a military general to an Emperor, and then ascending to a god, Talos exhibits versatility not just in physical and magical prowess but also in political cunning, strategic foresight, and even spiritual elevation. His role in the lore of "The Elder Scrolls" series is incredibly wide-ranging; a warrior, a statesman, and finally, a deity. His Thu'um, or Shouts in the Dragon Language, further exemplify his magical and physical dexterity.
A classic quote from "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim," "Talos the mighty! Talos the unerring! Talos the unassailable!" encapsulates how he excels in varied domains.
When it comes to contrasting him with other fantasy characters, he's not a one-trick pony like some who are confined to their elemental magics or swordsmanship. Talos scales the breadth of what a single character can be conceived to accomplish, both in mortal and divine realms. However, there are characters in fantasy who've achieved ultimate omnipotence or can effortlessly switch between various universes and timelines, which adds another layer to their versatility.
For this reason, while Talos is immensely versatile, it might be a stretch to place him at the zenith of this category compared to all characters in all fantasy universes. Therefore, the original rating of 8 remains viable. His manifold roles as warrior, leader, and god provide a kaleidoscope of abilities and adaptabilities. Yet, he does not transcend all known limitations like some fantasy beings who embody the very concept of versatility. It's a nuanced position but one that captures the incredible but not absolutely limitless versatility of Talos.
Talos's Alignment
On the good-evil spectrum, Talos is a paradox. While he established a unified empire that brought peace—known as the "Pax Tamrielica"—his reign began and was maintained through brutal warfare and conquest. His actions are both beneficial and detrimental, depending on one's perspective.
"The blood of kings will flow like a river," he prophesized according to in-game texts, showing his willingness to accept violence for his vision of unity.
This moral ambiguity might situate him in the "Neutral" territory.
In terms of law-chaos, Talos leans strongly toward "Lawful." He meticulously planned his campaigns, established a well-ordered imperial administration, and his very aim was to impose a structured, unified governance upon the disparate nations of Tamriel. In the game, books like "The Arcturian Heresy" discuss his cunning use of politics and strategy, suggesting a focus on order and planning.
So, when you blend these qualities together, Talos can best be described as "Lawful Neutral." He isn't purely altruistic nor purely malevolent, often operating in morally grey areas to fulfill his vision for a united empire. However, his inclination toward structure, order, and governance tips him definitively into the lawful category. His alignment reflects the duality of his legacy—a ruler who brought both stability and suffering, existing in the ethereal space where order meets moral ambiguity. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Talos / Tiber Septim / Ysmir Arena Art
 |
| Talos Returns to Defend Morrowind as the Ninth Divine |
Talos's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #1 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Conference Regular Season Champion (Elder Scrolls) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#1 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship 2nd Round Appearance (#1 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Sweet 16 Appearance (#1 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on Talos and Position Across Planes of Existence
Talos, or Tiber Septim, ranks at a 9.1 across various metrics of power—Raw Power, Tactical Ability, Influence, Resilience, and Versatility—indicating his unique and potent standing across the gamut of fantastical characters. In a universe as expansive and magical as that of the Elder Scrolls, Talos stands out not just as a conqueror, but as a deity. His ascension to godhood further enshrines his place as a near-omnipotent being.
One could argue that achieving godhood alone catapults Talos into a league of his own. His godly status grants him an array of powers that encompass dominion over time and space. In the "Book of the Dragonborn," it is mentioned that he has the power of the Thu'um, or Dragon Shouts, allowing him to alter reality by speaking it into existence. This mimics high-level reality-warping powers in other mythos and gives him a significant edge in Raw Power.
In terms of Tactical Ability, Talos' military acumen allowed him to conquer Tamriel, a feat unparalleled in its history. His empire set the standard of governance and military strategy for eras to come. Unlike many other fantasy characters who are masters of combat but lack strategic depth, Talos embodies both. His use of the Numidium, a colossal golem, to swiftly end conflicts shows his ability to employ game-changing strategies that turn the tide of history.
His Influence is also unparalleled. Talos is venerated as a god, and his teachings and laws have shaped the political and religious landscape of Tamriel. The Thalmor's outlawing of his worship in Skyrim shows just how deeply his influence runs; people are willing to go to war over his divinity. This level of influence is rarely seen in fantasy characters, who may be powerful but often don't achieve the societal and religious impact that Talos has.
Talos is Resilient in ways that defy mortal understanding. Ascending to godhood is, in a sense, the ultimate form of resilience. Regardless of the trials he faced in life, his essence has been immortalized, making him impervious to any conventional forms of harm or setbacks. Versatility is where Talos also shines. His skills range from combat to governance, strategy to spirituality.
In conclusion, Talos' 9.1 rating is wholly justified when compared to the scope of other characters across the pantheon of fantasy universes. He exemplifies a rare blend of military prowess, strategic brilliance, divine influence, indefatigable resilience, and far-reaching versatility. His feats span from the worldly to the divine, granting him a position that very few characters in any universe can match. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
