Created by a Greek god, Talos was a metallic giant that guarded the island of Crete. Greek myths say that this beast broke huge chunks of rock off the cliffs to throw at approaching ships and burned men on his blazing bronze skin, which was nearly as hot as the sun. The giant's brute strength could wipe out an invading army.
Big Bronze: Talos was said to be a metallic giant made entirely out of bronze, and stood about 30 feet tall. This beast was crafted by Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths, and sent by Zeus to guard the shores of the island of Crete.
Lifeline: This legendary giant was given life by a fluid called ichor, which was the blood of the gods. Ichor ran through a single vein that stretched from Talos' neck to his heel. A nail was used to plug the giant's foot to keep the fluid from running out.
Down the Drain[]
Special effects brought Talos to life in the 1963 movie, Jason and the Argonauts.
Legends say Talos was sent by Zeus to guard the maiden Europa by patrolling the coast of Crete and repelling any ships that tried to land. The giant threw boulders at craft that came near, shattering them into splinters. When the ship Argo came near, a woman named Medea charmed Talos with a song, and he allowed he to come to shore. She gave Talos a sleeping potion, then yanked the plug out of his foot, releasing the giant's lifeblood and killing him. The Argo docked and its crew went ashore.
Fire! Talos turned his body into a blazing fire that destroyed an army of Sardinians who tried to invade Crete.
Mystery Man: Greek mythology has different versions of Talos' story. Some say he was the last of a race of giant bronze men, and others say he was a gigantic bronze bull.
Burn, Baby, Burn![]
As Talos patrols the shore of Crete, a ship filled with explorers lands and a few armed scouts come ashore in search of food and shelter. Talos comes around and, viewing any stranger as an enemy, attacks the armed scouts. The giant's bronze skin has absorbed the heat of the sun all day, so Talos grabs the men and burns them to death by pressing them against his scorching chest. Seeing this destruction, the ships' crews pull up their anchors and flee.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- Talos is featured in several Monster Mania cards:
- It if first featured in Head in the Clouds on Monster Mania 32.
- It is later featured in Hero's Quest on Monster Mania 52.