| “ | It was a striking design, akin to an eye in shape. The Beast seemed transfixed by it and terrified at the same time. | ” |
Talismans (non-canon name) are objects that serve as obstacles in The Last Guardian. Strategically placed throughout the Nest, they prevent Trico from progressing past certain areas without the Boy's help.
Appearance
Talismans are bizarre, yet strangely beautiful contraptions that vary in color and design. However, they share a lot of similarities; they are composed of an overall hexagonal/circular frame with stained colored glass panes. In the center is the design of a large eye with a sclera, while around the center are triangular shapes of varying colors.
Types
Barrier Talismans are large, stationary devices either mounted on rails, hung on walls, or suspended from chains. Talisman Shields are about two feet across and are carried by a select few Armored Knights.
Effects on Trico
The Talismans seem to be little more than decorations until Trico comes to within a short distance. Suddenly, the beast tenses up, freezes in place, and gawks at the strange device. Its eyes glow pink, and it begins to back away. Put in some kind of trance, Trico can do nothing but stand there, whining and petrified with fear but unable to flee or destroy the Talisman without help from the Boy.
It is never explained why Trico is so affected by the Talisman design. Whether they scare it with color, magically put it in a trance, hypnotize it, take advantage of some primal fear, or some other effect, they fulfill their purpose well.
They appear similar to a tactic employed by real moths and butterflies, such as the buckeye butterfly, which has large, eyespot patterns on its wings which can startle or confuse predators, not unlike how these devices deter Trico.
How to overcome these obstacles
Given that no weapons can really harm the mighty beast and walls, gates, and rickety bridges only slow it down, these devices prove very effective against Trico in immobilizing it and rendering the beast harmless. However, the objects have absolutely no effect on the Boy, who can approach them and destroy them. Some can simply be pushed out of the way, others have to be broken with a rock, and others yet have to be cut loose from their supports, causing them to shatter. Talisman-wielding knights have to be headbutted in order to make them drop their shields, which gives Trico an opening to wipe them out. Some are completely out of reach of the Boy or Trico but can be destroyed from range with the mirror.
Also, Trico has shown, at one point, the ability to overcome its fear of the Talismans. When approaching the Citadel, the two are ambushed by a large army of Knights who attempt to steal the Boy away while Trico is blocked by two Talisman barriers. However, fearing for the Boy, it somehow forces itself forwards, smashing the Talismans and a number of Knights. Rescuing the Boy, the two glide away to safety. It becomes apparent at that point that Trico's bond with the Boy allows it to overcome any fear for its own safety, so long as the Boy is safe.
History
The boy and beast duo encounter their first Talisman shortly before they enter the chamber where Trico enters a trance and swallows the Boy alive. It lies on the ground to the left of a large doorway, and Trico is startled by it. However, it's easily pushed off of the ledge on which it sits.
Some time later, in a corridor, they come across two more Talismans, one hanging on each wall, facing each other. The Boy, in a voiceover, realizes that Trico is terrified of them, although he is not sure why.
As Trico and the Boy progress, they encounter Talismans in increasing numbers. It becomes apparent that they are not oddities, but placed strategically to keep Trico-beasts out of key areas like the Citadel and access points. While it is unknown why these objects affect the beasts in such a manner, it is likely that the Master of the Valley uses them to protect it from the possibility of a rogue Trico.
 Walkthrough | |
|---|---|
| Characters | The Boy · Trico · Armored Tricos · Soldiers (Yoroi) · Master of the Valley |
| Locations | The World · Sentinel Tower |
| Items | The Mirror · Talismans · Barrels · Unlockable Items |
| Gameplay | Easter Egg |
| Media | The Last Guardian (OST) · Official Art and Guide Book · Interview Archive |
| Releases | PS3 development · PS4 final release · Credits |