Talos Cult Shrine
The Talos Cult, also known as the Cult of Tiber Septim,[1] or the Imperial Cult of Tiber Septim,[2] is a religious cult dedicated to the divine god-hero Talos, founder and patron of the Third Empire,[3] worshipped as the protector and patron of just rulership and civil society.[4] The Talos Cult is also said to have a significant charismatic sub-cult.[2]
Background[]
The Cult of Tiber Septim was created in the Nibenay region of Cyrodiil.[1] Contrary to most Imperial cults, which are kept private and practical due to the implementation of restricting policies by the Septim Emperors, the Talos Cult was treated differently. The Imperial cult of Tiber Septim was more like Nordic hero-cults and was particularly strong and personal among the Imperial military, provincial colonists and recently assimilated foreigners.[2] The exact number of legionnaires who were members of the cult is unknown. Some say that the cult had some fringe members in the Legions, whereas others said that the cult had many followers in the Legions. By their own accounts, the Legion followers of the cult worship the true following of the Legions by protecting the glory of Tiber Septim.[5]
History[]
Second Era[]
The Cult of Tiber Septim traces its origins back to the area of Nibenay in Cyrodiil. When the cult was formed is unknown, but by the time the First Pocket Guide to the Empire was written in 2E 864, the cult was already considered one of the four most famous cults in Nibenay with the others being the Cult of the Ancestor Moth, the Cult of Emperor Zero and the Cult of Heroes.[1]
After the death of Tiber Septim, and his subsequent rise to godhood, the Imperial Cult included the Talos cult in its veneration.[3]
Third Era[]
In 3E 427, on the isle of Vvardenfell, General Darius of the Deathshead Legion received intelligence from informants that there was a conspiracy against Emperor Uriel Septim VII among his legionnaires affiliated with the Talos Cult.[6] The conspiracy turned out to be true, as the members of the cult in Gnisis were planning on murdering the Emperor so a strong man could be placed on the Ruby Throne.[7] The conspiracy was led by Oritius Maro and Arius Rulician, but was discovered and terminated.[8]
Locations[]
See also[]
Appearances[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Cyrodiil
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Reflections on Cult Worship
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Morrowind Lore" dialogue topic in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- ↑ "Tiber Septim dialogue topic in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- ↑ "Talos Cult" dialogue topic in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- ↑ Dialogue with Darius during "Talos Cult Conspiracy"
- ↑ Note from Oritius Maro
- ↑ Events of "Talos Cult Conspiracy"