Talos

In Apollonius of Rhodes’ Argonautica, a bronze giant made by Hephaestus guards Crete by circling the island. A mythical robot-like guardian, with a single vulnerable point.

Why it is in the museum

This room shows that the desire for self-moving machines, logical rules and artificial beings is far older than the electronic computer.

What supports this exhibit

Primary literary source

The story of the bronze Talos as guardian of Crete.

Main source: Apollonius of Rhodes, Argonautica, Book IV.

Open the source

What to keep in mind: Mythological and literary evidence, not a historical machine.

Ask the exhibit

This small guide uses only the information documented on this exhibit page. If your question goes beyond that evidence, it will say so instead of inventing an answer.

Start with one of the suggested questions above, or type your own.